Top economic officials from China and the United States opened a new round of critical trade negotiations in Madrid on Sunday, marking the latest effort to stabilize economic relations between the world's two largest economies. The talks come amid lingering tensions over technology policies and market access.
Key Issues on the Table
According to China's Ministry of Commerce, discussions will focus on U.S. unilateral tariff measures, export control policies affecting technology transfers, and the ongoing controversy surrounding TikTok's operations. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, a key economic policymaker and member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Political Bureau, leads Beijing's delegation.
China's Firm Stance on TikTok
A ministry spokesperson reiterated China's position on Friday, stating: "We will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises." The comments signal Beijing's determination to protect TikTok's parent company ByteDance amid U.S. legislative efforts to force a sale of the popular video-sharing platform.
Observers note the Madrid meetings could set the tone for bilateral economic relations through 2024, with global markets closely watching for signs of progress on tariff reductions and technology trade frameworks.
