[Text/Observer Network Zhang Zhuojuan] The high-level economic and trade talks between China and the United States are approaching, and US President Trump has changed his tone again.

According to a report by Reuters, on May 8 local time, Trump said at the White House that the United States and China will carry out "substantive negotiations" on trade issues this weekend, and added that there is no room for further increase in the current 145% tariff imposed on China, which is bound to be reduced in the future. This is the latest sign of a softening attitude between the two largest economies in the world over tariffs and trade issues.

The report stated that the Trump team is promoting multiple trade agreements. Previously, Trump suspended the "reciprocal tariff," but excluded China, causing a stalemate between the two countries, which has raised concerns about the long-term economic consequences of a trade war between both sides.

Trump said that the United States may ease tensions by reducing tariffs. When asked if he would consider lowering tax rates if negotiations go smoothly, he responded, "It's possible."

"It can't get any higher. The current tax rate is 145%, so we clearly know it needs to be reduced." Trump said.

He believed that this meeting will be a very friendly one, and claimed that China "wants to advance in an elegant way," and he believes that China is very eager to reach an agreement.

Trump said that both sides will have a pleasant weekend, and China will have many gains. "In a sense, I think they benefit more than us."

On May 7 local time, US President Trump at the White House. IC Photo

Trade issues have always been Trump's focus of attention. He repeated his old argument, claiming that China currently has a "huge trade surplus" with the United States, and the U.S. side has been losing out, which is "unacceptable."

Despite the long-standing differences between China and the United States on trade issues, Trump expressed optimism in his speech on Thursday, believing that this negotiation will be "substantive," and also claimed that "China wants to take action, and at this stage, they must do so."

It is worth noting that the day before Trump made the above remarks (May 7), he also said that he would not lower tariffs on China ahead of time just to conduct substantive trade negotiations with Beijing. This tough stance caused stocks to fall sharply.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that at the request of the United States, during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12, the Chinese lead negotiator for economic and trade affairs, He Lijun, will hold talks with US Treasury Secretary Bessette.

Regarding this meeting, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, He Yadong, stated that China's position of firmly opposing the US imposition of excessive tariffs has been consistent. If the US wants to solve problems through negotiations, it must face up to the serious negative impacts that unilateral tariff measures bring to itself and the world, face up to international trade rules, fairness and justice, as well as the rational voices of all sectors, show sincerity in negotiations, prepare to correct mistakes, cancel unilateral tariff increases, take actions, and move toward each other with China through equal consultations to resolve mutual concerns.

He emphasized that if the US says one thing and does another, or even tries to use negotiations as a pretext to continue coercion and extortion, China will never agree, nor will it sacrifice principles or fairness and justice in the international community to seek the conclusion of any agreement.

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