As global economic turbulence deepens, the world’s attention is increasingly fixed on the upcoming meeting between China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng and US officials in Switzerland from May 9 to 12. Initiated at the request of the United States, these discussions reflect Washington’s urgent desire to recalibrate its increasingly unsustainable trade policy toward China. However, beneath the optimism for dialogue lies a deeper strategic contest: whether the United States can abandon its outdated “tariff stick” mentality and genuinely engage China in a spirit of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.

The background to these talks is one of growing frustration with Washington’s misuse of tariffs as a political and economic weapon. Tracing the history of US tariff policy over recent years reveals a pattern of unilateralism and economic bullying, all carried out under the pretext of “America First.” Under the guise of addressing issues like the “fentanyl crisis,” the US has repeatedly imposed new tariffs on Chinese imports -starting with a 10 percent increase on February 1, escalating to 20 percent, and culminating in punitive rates as high as 145 percent in some sectors. Even cross-border e-commerce, traditionally a sphere of open exchange, has not been spared, with duty-free allowances revoked.

These moves have severely disrupted global supply chains, rattled markets, and posed serious obstacles to the world’s fragile economic recovery. China, in defending both its legitimate rights and the broader international trade order, has had no choice but to implement firm and measured countermeasures. Viewed objectively, the responsibility for the current difficulties in China-US economic and trade relations lies squarely with the United States.

In recent weeks, however, signals have emerged from Washington suggesting a reconsideration of its........

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