China urges greater consensus with U.S. after ‘Candid’ trade talks

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng called for stronger consensus and continued communication with the United States, following two days of in-depth trade negotiations in London aimed at easing tensions in the prolonged tariff dispute between the two global powers.

According to Xinhua, He described the discussions as “candid and in-depth,” emphasizing the need to reduce misunderstandings and promote stable, long-term bilateral economic ties. He stressed that while China remains sincere in trade consultations, it will adhere to its core principles.

The London talks marked the first major follow-up after the two countries agreed to a 90-day trade truce in Geneva last month, suspending most of the heavy tariffs placed on each other’s goods. However, issues such as China’s export controls on rare earths and U.S. restrictions on chip-related technologies remain unresolved.

The negotiations were prompted by a rare phone call between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump last Thursday. Representing the U.S. in London, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the emerging agreement would ease restrictions on Chinese exports of rare earth minerals and magnets, alongside some recent U.S. export curbs, in what he called a “balanced” arrangement.

Both sides are expected to present the proposed framework to their respective leaders for final approval.

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