China and the United States have restarted their trade talks in Madrid as both nations try to reduce tensions over trade and technology. Delegations led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng opened the latest discussions on Monday. The meetings began at Spain’s foreign ministry and are expected to continue until Wednesday.
One of the major items on the agenda is President Donald Trump’s threat to impose large tariffs on Chinese imports. Washington has also demanded that TikTok be sold to a non-Chinese owner or face a ban in the US by September 17. Trade tensions between the two countries became sharp earlier this year. A series of retaliatory tariffs disrupted supply chains.
Earlier, both governments agreed to reduce their tariff measures. The United States imposed 30 percent duties on many Chinese goods. China responded with a 10 percent levy on some US products. However that arrangement is temporary and due to expire in November.
Beijing urged Washington last week to settle disputes through mutual respect and equal consultations. Over the weekend China launched investigations into its semiconductor sector to signal that friction remains high. Negotiators hope the Madrid talks will lay the foundation for a possible summit between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping later this year.
As the two sides meet they face many challenges. They must stabilize the uneasy peace that followed earlier tariff reductions. They need to address disagreements over access to technology, control of rare earth exports, and rules for digital platforms.
Peace David 
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