US-China Trade Talks Stalled, May Require Leadership-Level Intervention, Says Treasury Secretary

 The ongoing trade negotiations between the United States and China have reached a standstill and may now require direct engagement between the heads of state, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

In an interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Thursday, Bessent acknowledged that progress had slowed. “I would say that they are a bit stalled,” he said, referring to the current state of discussions between the world’s two largest economies.

Tensions escalated in April when U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sharply increased tariffs on Chinese imports, with some duties rising to as high as 145%. Beijing swiftly retaliated, raising its own tariffs to 125%. In a bid to defuse the situation, both sides agreed earlier this month to a 90-day suspension or rollback of most newly implemented tariffs, creating a window for further negotiations.

Looking ahead, Bessent indicated that additional rounds of negotiations were scheduled in the coming weeks, and signaled that a direct conversation between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was possible in the near future.

“Given the magnitude and complexity of the talks, this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other. They have a very good relationship. I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table,” Bessent said.

Adding to the uncertainty, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Thursday overturned a decision by the Court of International Trade that had temporarily suspended the tariffs. As a result, the duties will remain in force until at least June 9.

Bessent strongly criticized judicial involvement in the matter, stating: “The president absolutely has the right to set the trade agenda for the U.S. Anything that the courts do to get in the way harms the American people – both in terms of trade and lost tariff revenue.” He further described the courts’ intervention as “highly inappropriate,” noting that the U.S. Senate had declined to oppose President Trump’s trade policy.

China, for its part, has sharply criticized the tariff increases, accusing Washington of using them to advance unilateral interests. “Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners. Protectionism harms the interests of all parties and is ultimately unpopular,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning at a press briefing on Thursday.

She further condemned the U.S. approach, stating that the tariffs serve only to “advance U.S. hegemonic ambitions at the cost of the legitimate interests of all countries.”

As negotiations remain in limbo, all eyes are now on whether top-level diplomacy can unlock a path forward for the two economic superpowers.