High-Stakes Dialogues: U.S.-China Trade Talks in Stockholm

In a pivotal effort to address the ongoing trade tensions, senior U.S. and Chinese economic officials gathered in Stockholm on Monday, engaging in more than five hours of intensive negotiations. The discussions are part of continuous efforts to extend the trade truce between the world's two largest economies, with a pressing deadline in mid-August.

The two delegations, including U.S. Treasury Chief Scott Bessent and China's Vice Premier He Lifeng, are working towards a durable tariff agreement amid a backdrop of escalating tit-for-tat tariffs and restrictions on rare earth minerals. While no immediate breakthroughs were expected, the talks aim to lay the groundwork for enhanced trade relations.

Amidst these discussions, focus remains on potential future meetings between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which analysts believe are crucial for sustained progress. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions continue to complicate negotiations, with U.S. senators drafting bills targeting China's human rights record, adding layers to the already complex dialogue.

(With inputs from agencies.)