Trump touts 'great progress' in trade negotiations with China

Alsharq Tribune- Zainab Hussin 

President Donald Trump says trade talks between the US and China in Switzerland have made "great progress.

" The meeting began in Geneva on Saturday. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer participated in the talks. China was represented by economic policy chief, Vice Premier He Lifeng.

It was their first official high-level negotiations since Trump imposed what he calls "reciprocal tariffs." Reuters news agency says the first day of talks lasted until the evening, and the two sides are expected to resume negotiations on Sunday.

Trump touted the meeting on social media. On Saturday, he said: "Many things discussed, much agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner." The president went on to say, "We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business.

" He added, "GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!" Trade tensions have been escalating between the two countries. The world's two largest economies have slapped tariffs above 100 percent on each other's goods.

Beijing said it is firmly opposed to Washington's tariff measures and indicated that it would not easily compromise. Trump has suggested he may reduce the duties, depending on the progress of the negotiations.