Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead a high-level economic summit with the U.S. in Switzerland, advocating multilateralism and demanding mutual respect amid Washington’s unilateral tariff policies.

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Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, the chief official responsible for China’s economic and trade policies, will head the Chinese delegation in a high-level meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent from May 9 to 12 in Switzerland. This meeting comes after an escalation of tariff measures imposed by the U.S. administration, which have jeopardized global economic recovery and the international trade order, according to official Chinese sources.

China’s Ministry of Commerce has labeled the recent U.S. tariff measures as “unreasonable and unilateral,” accusing Washington of severely disrupting bilateral economic ties and the multilateral trade system. China has responded with firm countermeasures, defending its legitimate rights and interests against what it considers an assault on global economic justice.

Despite tensions, China has decided to accept the invitation for dialogue, considering global expectations and calls from U.S. industry and consumers. The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson emphasized that any negotiation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit, rejecting any attempts at coercion or blackmail by the U.S.

Warning Against Using Dialogue as a Pressure Tool

China warns it will not allow the dialogue process to be used as a pretext to pressure or blackmail the country. “If forced to fight, we will fight to the end, but if there is willingness to talk, the door is open,” the spokesperson reiterated, stressing that Beijing will not sacrifice its principles or the cause of international equity and justice.

The Chinese government reaffirms its commitment to expanding economic openness and defending the multilateral trade system centered on the World Trade Organization. Beijing insists that only by standing firm on principles of equity and justice can the interests of peoples be safeguarded against protectionism and hegemonic practices.

Based on full consideration of global expectations, China’s interests, and the appeals of the U.S. business community and consumers, #China has decided to agree to engage with the #US side. As China’s lead on China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, Vice Premier He Lifeng will hold… pic.twitter.com/2twZyYVYCk

— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) May 7, 2025

China expresses willingness to work with all parties to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, improve coordination, and jointly resist unilateral protectionism. The declared goal is to promote inclusive and fair economic globalization for the benefit of the peoples of the Global South and the entire world.

The outcome of this meeting will be closely watched by countries of the Global South, who see China’s defense as an opportunity to halt the imposition of unjust economic policies and advance toward a more equitable and democratic international order, where the voices of peoples are not subordinated to the interests of hegemonic powers.

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