Trade talks in Malaysia test fragile China-US. ties

Chinese and US. officials are holding trade talks in Malaysia this week, seeking to stabilise relations between both countries ahead of the highly anticipated Trump - Xi meeting in South Korea next week.

Tensions over tariffs, technology restrictions, and market access remain at the forefront of disputes between the world two largest economies.  

The discussions, led by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer mark the latest in a series of cautious attempts to rebuild dialogue after years of escalating disputes.

Relations between China and the United States have cooled in recent months, with President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats on Chinese goods and China’s retaliatory measures.

Moreover, Washington’s tightening of export controls on semiconductors and clean energy technology has angered Beijing, which accuses the US. of attempting to disrupt global trade through “economic coercion.”

China, in turn, has responded with its own measures, including restrictions on critical minerals used in chipmaking and clean energy production.

The standoff has disrupted global supply chains, pushed manufacturers to diversify into Southeast Asia, and introduced new uncertainty into global markets.

Both governments now face growing domestic and international pressure to find ways to manage their rivalry without triggering further economic instability.

At the Malaysia talks, negotiators are focusing on tariff relief, investment access, and regulatory transparency - areas where limited progress could rebuild some trust.

The US. delegation is pressing China to address industrial subsidies and intellectual property issues, while Beijing is calling for the removal of tariffs that have been in place for nearly six years and greater recognition of its economic development policies.

Analysts note that while both sides remain deeply divided, the fact that the talks are taking place at all signals a shared recognition that complete disengagement is neither realistic nor desirable.

With global growth slowing and geopolitical risks rising, both Beijing and Washington see value in maintaining communication channels, even if expectations for a breakthrough are low.

Now - for both powers, the outcome carries high stakes. The US wants to project strength without damaging its own industries, while China aims to maintain engagement and assert its sovereignty.

The Kuala Lumpur talks set the tone for the upcoming Trump–Xi summit, which could either mark a pause in hostilities or trigger a new wave of tariffs and countermeasures

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