China and the United States began a new round of trade negotiations on Sunday in Madrid, aiming to resolve disputes over TikTok and US tariffs promised by President Donald Trump. The talks, hosted at Spain’s historic Palacio de Santa Cruz, bring together Vice Premier He Lifeng leading the Chinese side and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent heading the US delegation.
Trade relations between Beijing and Washington have been turbulent in 2025, with tit-for-tat tariffs reaching unprecedented triple digits earlier this year. The tariff war rattled global supply chains before both sides agreed to temporarily ease tensions — the US lowering duties to 30 percent and China to 10 percent. In August, the two countries extended a pause on higher tariffs until November 10, delaying further escalation.
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Beyond tariffs, the Madrid talks are also set to address the TikTok dispute. The popular app faces a September 17 deadline in the United States to secure a non-Chinese buyer or risk being banned. Trump has already extended this deadline three times since signing a federal law mandating TikTok’s sale or ban on national security grounds.
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Beijing has urged Washington to resolve the standoff through dialogue and “equal consultations.” China’s commerce ministry reiterated on Friday that cooperation based on mutual respect remains the only viable path to defuse tensions.
