GENEVA

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Saturday in Geneva, marking a tentative step toward easing a trade war that has disrupted global markets and strained diplomatic ties, according to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.

The talks follow weeks of rising tensions, with both countries imposing steep tariffs on each other's goods. Since January, US President Donald Trump has raised duties on Chinese imports to 145%, which China responded with 125% tariffs.

Although the location of the meeting had not been publicly disclosed, both delegations have been spotted while entering the Swiss ambassador to the UN's residence.

Trump hinted at a possible softening on Friday, saying an 80% tariff on Chinese goods "seems right," marking the first time he publicly suggested an alternative to the current levels.

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Swiss Federal Councilor for Economic Affairs Guy Parmelin met with both sides on Friday.

Swiss authorities have also played a behind-the-scenes role in bringing the US and China together, as the government confirmed that "during its recent contacts in Washington and Beijing, Switzerland expressed to the US and Chinese authorities its willingness to organize a meeting between the two parties."

It is not yet clear when the discussions will conclude or whether they will spill over into Sunday. Neither side has made a public statement so far.