U.S., China Hold First Call Since Geneva Meeting, Signaling Progress in Trade Talks

The United States and China have resumed high-level diplomatic engagement with a phone call held Thursday between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The call marks the first direct conversation between the two powers since the Geneva meeting earlier this month, where they agreed to temporarily lower most tariffs and open a path toward broader negotiations.

Though neither side confirmed whether tariffs were specifically discussed, both issued closely aligned statements highlighting a commitment to maintaining open communication lines. Analysts view this move as a positive sign of stability amid rising tensions.

Dan Wang, China director at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, stated that while the call might not bring immediate breakthroughs, it proves the communication channel created in Geneva is now operational. This development follows weeks of strained exchanges, with both nations trading accusations over trade and technology restrictions.

Earlier this week, Ma Zhaoxu met with the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to China, David Perdue, who emphasized the Trump administration’s priorities: expanded access to Chinese markets for U.S. companies and efforts to curb the flow of fentanyl-producing chemicals from China.

Perdue shared on social media, “I look forward to working with the Ministry and counterparts to achieve concrete outcomes for the American people.”

Despite recent signs of progress, tensions remain. China criticized a recent U.S. move discouraging firms from using Chinese-made AI chips, particularly those from Huawei. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce condemned the decision as “unilateral bullying” and warned of countermeasures to defend its economic interests.

Meanwhile, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, stating that negotiations with the U.S. had made “substantial progress.” He reiterated Beijing’s willingness to further open up its markets to American businesses.

While challenges persist, the renewed dialogue between Washington and Beijing offers cautious optimism for easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.