Talks between officials have resumed, potentially stabilizing global markets affected by the U.S.-China tariff standoff. The discussions took place on Sunday morning, following a halt in communication over the weekend.
https://apnews.com/article/china-us-switzerland-tariffs-negotiations-20f32dd4f11b66bfd73bd105b7acad5aTreasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are leading two-day negotiations in Geneva, marking a rare in-person meeting since US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on China and Beijing retaliated with its own tariffs and export controls. US trade chief Jamieson Greer is also participating in the talks.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/05/11/economy/us-china-trade-talks/US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett expressed optimism about a potential trade deal between the US and China, with Lutnick stating that the US is using its economy to "open their economy to our exporters" and Hassett saying they are "essentially starting over" with the Chinese. The talks come after years of tariffs imposed by President Trump, which have disrupted $660 billion in trade last year. China's Xinhua newspaper warned that any proposal compromising core principles would be rejected, but Hassett believes the Chinese are eager to rebuild a relationship beneficial for both parties.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/us-makes-substantial-progress-in-china-tariff-talks-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-saysUS Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Chinese officials during their bilateral meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of a two-day dialogue between the US and China to discuss trade tensions and economic issues.
https://nypost.com/2025/05/11/world-news/us-and-china-have-hammered-out-a-trade-deal-us-trade-representative-says/US Trade Negotiators Reach Agreement with China in Switzerland, Reflecting Eagerness to Rebalance Relations. The meeting between US trade negotiators Kevin Hassett, Greer, and He marked a significant development in the bilateral tariffs imposed on each other's goods. Chinese officials were described as "tough negotiators" by Greer, while Hassett noted their eagerness to engage in discussions and rebalance trade relations with the US. The talks took place at a gated villa in Switzerland, overlooking Lake Geneva, where Washington seeks to reduce its $295 billion goods trade deficit with Beijing and persuade China to adopt a more consumption-driven economic model.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/productive-talks-us-china-reach-deal-to-cut-trade-deficit-says-us-treasury-secretary-scott-bessent-8389162#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscrollThe US, Europe, and Ukraine are pushing for a 30-day ceasefire, which could pressure Russia into compliance. Ukrainian President Zelensky has signaled readiness to discuss talks if Russia agrees to the ceasefire starting May 12. The proposal was agreed upon with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, who also warned that sanctions would be tightened against Russia if it refuses. Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed resuming direct talks in Istanbul, but ignored the ceasefire initiative.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3991702-europe-us-positions-on-pressuring-russia-aligning-again-estonias-pm.htmlUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expects Russia to commit to a 30-day ceasefire starting May 12, following a proposal by European leaders and backed by the US. He expressed hope that Russia is considering ending the three-year-old war, which began with Moscow's 2022 invasion, calling it a "positive sign".
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1310526-ready-for-talks-expect-russia-to-commit-to-ceasefire-ukrainian-president-zelenskyBritish negotiators are preparing for a summit on May 19 in London, where they plan to "reset" the UK's relationship with the EU, a term Brexiteers fear is code for capitulation. The UK government has confirmed it will sign up to permanent alignment with EU rules in areas like agriculture in exchange for a closer trading relationship. This approach was inspired by Switzerland's deal with the EU, which allows partial membership of the single market for goods and requires accepting EU rules and making payments into the Brussels budget. The European Commission is demanding that the UK negotiate a "youth mobility scheme" similar to its arrangement with Canada, which would allow young adults aged 18-35 to live and work in the UK.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14699407/Keir-Starmer-Swiss-model-Brussels-budget.htmlA ceasefire held between India and Pakistan on Sunday after four days of intense fighting that killed at least 60 people, with US President Donald Trump announcing the halt to hostilities on social media. However, India's foreign secretary said New Delhi retaliated against Pakistan for violating the truce, while Pakistan claimed its forces were handling Indian violations with "responsibility and restraint". The fragile peace was marred by heavy shelling in Kashmir, with residents describing it as a "fragile peace" that is "very precarious", and analysts warning of continued low-intensity attacks.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/05/11/india-pakistan-ceasefire-holds-after-early-violations-and-being-at-the-brink-of-all-out-war