BEIJING (Realist English). China’s government, state media, and online influencers are hailing a temporary trade agreement with the United States as a “historic victory,” following high-stakes negotiations in Geneva that led to a sharp rollback in punitive tariffs. As reported by China Central Television (CCTV), “decisive action and a firm position by China proved highly effective.”
The key elements of the deal, which takes effect May 15, include:
– The US cutting tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%
– China reducing its retaliatory tariffs from 125% to 10%
– A 90-day freeze on any new trade restrictions
– The launch of a bilateral consultation mechanism on trade and economic policy
On Chinese social media platform Weibo, the hashtag “#USandChinapause24%tariffsfor90days” surpassed 420 million views within hours. One popular comment read: “Our ancestors never bowed — and neither do we. We did not concede.”
Beijing has also framed the agreement as a public demonstration of its global responsibility, emphasizing China’s role as a “reliable trade partner” in contrast to Western accusations of stalling and insincerity during previous rounds of talks.
China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed that export restrictions on rare earth minerals will be temporarily lifted as part of the deal — while also accusing “foreign actors” of attempted smuggling and asserting that rare earth policy remains tied to national security interests.
The US government, for its part, called the agreement a “breakthrough” and a “win for both sides.” However, privately, several officials admitted that Beijing conceded less than Washington had hoped.
“The United States must abandon unilateral tariff policies. This agreement is an important step, but only the beginning of a long road,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in an official statement.
Negotiations will resume in the coming weeks. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that the two sides are expected to meet again “very soon” to begin shaping a broader, more permanent agreement.
The Geneva talks followed a sharp escalation in April, when the Trump administration imposed 145% tariffs on all Chinese imports. Beijing responded with aggressive countermeasures, triggering market panic and a surge in global economic uncertainty. On Monday, after news of the 90-day freeze, stock markets around the world rebounded sharply.
Beijing didn’t just win on numbers — it won the narrative. China preserved its leverage and demonstrated that sustained pressure from Washington, without a clear endgame, leads to strategic retreat. Now the question facing the US is not whether it got a deal — but whether it got the right one. Will the next round be about trade, or about principles?
