High-level meetings on economic and trade affairs between China and the United States entered their second day in the Swiss city of Geneva on Sunday.
On the first day of the talks, held Saturday in the Geneva suburb of Cologny, the delegations arrived at around 10:00 local time and left around 20:00.
The meetings are the first time that China and the United States have held talks since the Trump administration's imposition of heavy tariffs on Chinese goods. The meeting place of Geneva, Switzerland is famed for its neutrality, home of the World Trade Organization and a place with a long tradition of hosting international talks and bringing opposing parties around the table.
The Chinese foreign ministry said they agreed to these talks after communication from the United States, also saying China's position has not changed. This tariff war was initiated by the United States. If the U.S. truly wishes to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop making threats and exerting pressure, and engage in discussions with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity, saying it will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, uphold international fairness, defend the rules of the World Trade Organization and the multilateral trading system.
At the end of Saturday, with information still scarce on the ground, it was evident that there had been tireless efforts behind the scenes to prepare for these talks. However, the specific details of the agenda and discussions remain undisclosed.
The Chinese delegation is led by Vice Premier He Lifeng, and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent heads up the U.S. team.
On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said "80 percent tariffs on China seems right, it's up to Scott Bessent," showing Bessent's scope and remit.
Saturday's talks are anticipated to serve as an icebreaker. Tensions have escalated in rhetoric over recent weeks, with China reiterating its stance against coercion. However, the positive development of both China and the United States, the world's largest economies, convening at the same table is noteworthy.
China, U.S. high-level economic, trade meeting continues in Geneva
China, U.S. high-level economic, trade meeting continues in Geneva
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
