Trump declares “Total Reset” in US-China relations...

Trump declares “Total Reset” in US-China relations on back of ongoing Geneva meeting

ZimNow International Desk

Geneva, Switzerland | May 10, 2025 – In his usual exuberant style, US president Donald J. Trump took to social media today to declare a “total reset” in the economic relationship between the United States and China.

“A very good meeting today with China in Switzerland. Many things were discussed, and much was agreed to. A total reset negotiated in a friendly, but constructive, manner… GREAT PROGRESS MADE!!!” Trump posted on social media.

The claim followed the first day of a high-level meeting in Geneva attended by top officials from both countries, signaling a potential thaw in the latest standoff between the world’s two largest economies.

The Chinese delegation is led by He Lifeng, Vice Premier and member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, while the U.S. team was represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who assumed the role of lead negotiator under the current administration.

The dialogue comes after much noise on social media by Trump saying that China had no choice but to plead with him for leniency, while China repeatedly maintained that it would not be bullied but remained open to dialogue based on mutual respect and equality.

“We want to see, for the good of both China and the U.S., an opening up of China to American business,” said Trump in his post.

China has already indicated that it is opening up to foreign investment. Close Trump ally Elon Musk’s Tesla has its Asia and Europe production plant in Shanghai, while other American brands like Apple, Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Nike also already have a strong Chinese presence.

Trump’s 2025 tariffs targeted many countries across the world, with China singled out for extreme measures. The Zimbabwean president rushed to declare an immediate lift on all tariffs for US imports into the country, a directive that has not yet been implemented.

A 90-day moratorium on other affected countries ends early July. The US has held talks with countries like Japan and Vietnam, but no substantive trade deals have been announced.

The meeting in Geneva appears to mark a new chapter. A confirmed easing of tensions will likely result in gains on global markets when they reopen this Monday.