摘要：Delegations of China and the U.S. pose for a group photo prior to the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultat

Delegations of China and the U.S. pose for a group photo prior to the first meeting of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism in London, UK, June 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

By Jessica Durdu

The recently concluded China-U.S. economic and trade consultation meeting in London marks a cautiously optimistic development in the often-turbulent trajectory of bilateral relations. As the first institutionalized exchange under the new economic and trade consultation mechanism, the dialogue stands out for its structure, depth and strategic alignment with the consensus reached during the June 5 phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a period marked by fragmentation, geopolitical distrust and economic uncertainty, this renewed channel of communication offers a necessary avenue for recalibration, though not without significant challenges ahead.

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng's remarks reflect a clear and principled stance: Economic and trade relations between China and the United States should be governed by equality, mutual benefit and concrete actions, not rhetorical commitments or coercive measures.

The emphasis on "equal dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation" is not only a reaffirmation of China's traditional diplomatic posture but also a subtle yet firm reminder that China will not engage in negotiations under pressure or asymmetrical conditions.

This insistence on parity has become more pronounced in recent years, especially in the wake of the unilateral tariff measures introduced by the Trump administration, measures that disrupted supply chains and complicated global trade norms while hitting most the Americans themselves.

The London meeting, therefore, represents a constructive shift toward institutional engagement. While many previous encounters were reactive, e.g. driven by crises, market instability, or escalating rhetoric, this mechanism appears to be proactive and strategic in design.

The presence of key U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, signals that the United States is prepared to re-engage in technical, professional, sustained negotiations rather than episodic high-level gestures.

The outcome of the talks, as publicly articulated, presents several noteworthy elements. First, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the consensus reached by their respective leaders, which is a significant signal of political will.

In the often-fragmented field of U.S. trade diplomacy, where domestic politics can override international commitments, the acknowledgment of presidential-level direction provides trust for the process with necessary legitimacy and forward momentum.

Second, the talks yielded a framework for consolidating earlier achievements in Geneva and charted new paths to address each side's economic and trade concerns, reflecting a shift from merely managing disputes to attempting structural solutions.

For example, both countries appear to be working on stabilizing access to critical supply chains, including rare earths and technological components, and ensuring predictability in market access. These are critical steps in insulating global markets from the volatility that characterized the peak of the trade war.

Importantly, He Lifeng's assertion that "there are no winners in trade wars" offers both a critique and a forward-looking principle. This reflects the damage that past confrontational approaches inflicted not only on China-U.S. ties but also on the broader global economic system.

Tariff battles, retaliatory measures and the decoupling narrative have undermined global confidence, slowed innovation flows and fractured what should be a shared vision of global prosperity. China's reiteration of cooperation over confrontation is both a reminder of past mistakes and a call to avoid repeating them.

At the same time, He underscored that while China is committed to dialogue, it also has "principles." This dual message of openness and firmness should be interpreted as China's red line in negotiations: Any agreement must respect China's sovereignty, development priorities and core economic interests. This principle-based diplomacy ensures that economic cooperation does not come at the cost of structural imbalance or strategic compromise.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of continuing communication to reduce misunderstandings and foster greater policy alignment. At a time when both domestic and international audiences are watching closely, sustained consultation mechanisms offer a form of strategic reassurance. Not only do they help manage expectations, but they also create institutional memory, an essential factor in reducing misperceptions and building long-term trust.

Equally important is the global significance of the talks. As the Chinese vice premier noted, strengthening China-U.S. economic relations "injects more certainty and stability into the world economy." With the global economy under pressure from inflation, regional conflicts and political challenges, the actions of Beijing and Washington carry weight far beyond their bilateral sphere. Constructive engagement between the two powers sends a powerful signal to markets, multilateral institutions and third countries seeking stability amid uncertainty.

In this regard, the London talks are more than a tactical resolution of tariff disputes; they represent a strategic reset in economic diplomacy. They underscore the necessity of multilateral responsibility between major powers and the importance of aligning national policies with global economic imperatives. A stable China-U.S. economic relationship is indispensable for sustainable global growth, technological advancement and crisis resilience.

While some challenges might remain and implementation will determine the real impact, the London meeting provides a clear foundation for restoring predictability to China-U.S. economic relations. It affirms the role of high-level dialogue, the importance of institutional mechanisms and the primacy of mutual benefit.

Moving forward, both sides must resist the temptation of short-term political gains and instead focus on building a shared economic future based on trust, reciprocity and strategic foresight. If this path is maintained, the meeting in London may well come to be seen as the beginning of a new, more mature phase in China-U.S. economic relations.

Jessica Durdu, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a foreign affairs specialist and PhD candidate in international relations at China Foreign Affairs University.

来源：中国网一点号