China US Photo:Global Times

China's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that from May 9 to 12, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council He Lifeng will visit Switzerland, and during his visit to Switzerland, Vice Premier He, as the Chinese lead person for China-US economic and trade affairs, will have a meeting with the US lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The announcement has drawn widespread attention with many people wondering why the Chinese side has decided to engage with the US at this time. 

On Wednesday, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce said that recently, the US side has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue on tariffs and related issues through multiple channels. After a careful assessment of the US messages, China has decided to engage with the US side, taking into account global expectations, national interests, and calls from the American industry and consumers, the spokesperson said.

How to understand the three major considerations? Citing the Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson's comments on the issue, Yuyuantantian, a social media account affiliated with China Media Group, explained the three considerations on Friday.

In terms of the first consideration -- global expectations, Yuyuantantian said that the economic and trade relationship between China and the US is of great significance to both countries and also has an important impact on global economic stability and development. By defending the stability of the global multilateral trading system, we are also defending our own development interests.

As for the second consideration -- national interests, Yuyuantantian noted that the inviolability of national interests is the basis for China's decision to hold talks with the US. The initiative to talk or fight remains in China's hands.

The third consideration -- calls from US industry and consumers. This reflects China's consistent position. The hope and foundation of China-US relations lies in the people. Maintaining the stable development of China-US economic and trade relations is in the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples, and is also conducive to the development of the global economy. Whether it is a fight or a negotiation, China's position and goal of defending international fairness and justice and maintaining the international economic and trade order will not change, Yuyuantantian said.


Global Times