Archive · 6 Sep 2025
China's Trade Talks: Stalling Tactics and Unyielding Stance
China and the US are having trade talks, but things aren't moving much.
China is talking but not changing its mind about things like tariffs and restrictions on tech.
The US wants China to stop making chemicals for a drug called fentanyl and buy more American soybeans.
China wants the US to remove tariffs.
Both sides seem to be in a holding pattern, with a potential meeting between the leaders possible later this year.
Both sides think they have time to sort things out.
China maintains its stance in trade talks: keep talking, yield little.
Li Chenggang's visit to Washington involved deputy-level meetings.
China seeks to be a responsible party amid great-power competition.
The US wants China to address fentanyl and increase soybean purchases.
Both sides have extended pause on tariffs.
- Who
- China and the United States
- What
- Trade negotiations and disputes
- When
- Recent months, including late August and early November
- Where
- Washington, D.C. and China
- Why
- To navigate trade disputes, tariffs, and export controls.
- Key Players
- Li Chenggang, Scott Bessent, Xi Jinping
- US Demands
- Crackdown on Fentanyl, Increased Soybean Purchases
- China's Stance
- Maintain dialogue, little concession
- US Stance
- Happy with the status quo
- Recent Developments
- Extended pause on tariffs until November
