US Treasury Secretary Urges China to Ease Trade Tensions

Washington D.C. - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China on Monday, placing the onus on China to take action to ease tensions. Speaking at a press conference, Secretary Bessent stated that the responsibility for reaching a trade agreement ultimately rests with the Chinese government.

"We believe that a fair and balanced trade agreement is in the best interest of both the United States and China," Secretary Bessent said. "However, it is up to China to demonstrate a willingness to address the concerns that we have raised regarding issues such as intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and unfair trade practices."

The Secretary's comments come after months of negotiations between the two countries, which have been marked by periods of progress and setbacks. The U.S. has imposed tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods, and China has retaliated with its own tariffs on U.S. products. These tariffs have raised concerns about the potential impact on global economic growth.

Secretary Bessent reiterated the U.S. commitment to continuing negotiations with China but emphasized that any agreement must be based on fairness and reciprocity. He urged China to take concrete steps to address the U.S.'s concerns and to work towards a resolution that benefits both nations.