Trump says 'total reset negotiated' with China during tariff talks in Geneva

Fox News - May 11th, 2025

In a recent development, President Donald Trump announced significant progress in tariff negotiations with China, following a series of discussions in Geneva, Switzerland. The talks, led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and a Chinese delegation, lasted over 10 hours and are set to continue. Despite no major breakthrough being declared, Trump expressed optimism, suggesting a 'total reset' in trade relations, conducted in a 'friendly, but constructive' manner. The negotiations come in the context of ongoing trade tensions, with both countries having imposed tariffs on each other's goods, impacting billions in trade.

The backdrop of these talks is the imposition of a 145% tariff on Chinese goods by the U.S. in April, and China's subsequent increase in tariffs on U.S. goods to 125%. President Trump, a staunch advocate of tariffs, believes this strategy will address the U.S.'s significant trade deficit with China, estimated at $1.2 trillion, and potentially rejuvenate American manufacturing jobs. Treasury Secretary Bessent highlighted the detrimental impact these tariffs could have on China's economy, which might result in substantial job losses. The negotiations are pivotal as they aim to open up markets for American businesses in China, amidst a complex global trade landscape.

Donald Trump Tariffs Scott Bessent Trade Deficit Us China Trade Talks Geneva Negotiations

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RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of U.S.-China trade negotiations, focusing on President Trump's announcements and the involvement of key U.S. officials. It scores well in terms of accuracy and source quality, citing credible sources and providing a clear narrative. However, the article could benefit from more balanced reporting, incorporating perspectives from Chinese officials and independent analysts to provide a fuller picture of the negotiations' implications. While the language and structure are accessible, additional context and detailed explanations of complex economic terms would enhance transparency and readability. Overall, the article serves as a solid introduction to the topic but requires further depth and balance to fully inform readers about the intricacies of the trade discussions and their potential impacts.

Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims, such as President Trump's announcement of 'great progress' in trade talks with China. This aligns with the narrative of ongoing negotiations but lacks specific details about the agreements reached, which are crucial for full verification. The mention of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's involvement and the duration of the talks are consistent with other reports, though the exact outcomes remain vague. The reported tariff rates and their economic implications require further corroboration, as they are central to the story's claims. Overall, the article is fairly accurate but could benefit from more precise details and confirmation from additional sources.

Balance

The article primarily reflects the U.S. perspective, particularly President Trump's viewpoint on the trade negotiations. It lacks a balanced representation of the Chinese perspective or an analysis of the potential impacts on both countries. The focus on Trump's statements and the U.S. administration's actions may suggest favoritism, as it does not sufficiently explore the broader implications or counterarguments from other stakeholders. Including insights from Chinese officials or independent economic analysts would enhance the article's balance.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information from Trump's announcements to the details of the trade talks. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, some complex economic terms and implications could be further simplified or explained to enhance reader comprehension.

Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as The Associated Press and uses direct quotes from President Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. These sources enhance the article's reliability, though it would benefit from a wider range of perspectives, including international economic experts or Chinese officials. The reliance on primary sources like Trump's statements provides authority, but additional independent verification could strengthen the report's credibility.

Transparency

The article provides a clear context for the trade negotiations, mentioning previous tariff actions and the ongoing economic dispute. However, it lacks transparency in terms of the methodology used to gather information or any potential conflicts of interest. While the basis for claims is outlined, more detailed explanations of the negotiation processes and potential biases would improve transparency.