Chinese and U.S. negotiators returned to the negotiating table Monday for a second day of high-stakes economic discussions at Madrid's Santa Cruz Palace, with tensions over tariffs, export restrictions, and social media platform TikTok dominating the agenda. The talks come amid renewed efforts to stabilize bilateral trade relations impacting global supply chains.
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce confirmed the delegations are addressing what Beijing calls "unilateral U.S. tariff measures" and "abuse of export controls," alongside concerns about TikTok's operational challenges in the U.S. market. While neither side disclosed specific proposals, observers note the inclusion of TikTok signals China's focus on protecting its tech interests abroad.
Analysts suggest the Madrid meetings could set the tone for upcoming multilateral engagements, including APEC discussions later this year. For businesses, progress on tariffs might ease costs in manufacturing and electronics sectors, while tech firms await clarity on cross-border data policies.
The talks conclude as the World Trade Organization prepares to review global trade policies this quarter, with many members closely monitoring U.S.-China dynamics. Outcomes from Madrid may influence investment strategies across Asian markets, particularly in semiconductor and green energy industries.
