Geneva. The lead US negotiator in trade talks with China cited “a great deal of productivity” in resolving differences between the world’s two leading economic powers after officials wrapped two days of bargaining in Switzerland following President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs and Beijing’s retaliation.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that there was “substantial progress” in the weekend sessions but offered scant details on exactly what negotiations entailed. He said details would come at a briefing the following day.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese representatives at the talks.

Bessent was more cautious in assessing the state of play than was his partner, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

“It’s important to understand how quickly we were able to come to agreement, which reflects that perhaps the differences were not so large as far as maybe thought,” said Greer, who did not say what deal he was referring to.

Neither Bessent, who did not speak of any deal or agreement, nor Greer took questions after making statements at a news conference.

The White House subsequently issued a statement titled, “US Announces China Trade Deal in Geneva," but offering only the same quotes by Bessent and Greer.

Trump himself also struck a positive tone, suggesting on social media on Saturday night that “GREAT PROGRESS” was being made toward what he suggested could be a “total reset” on the tariffs that have put the global economy on edge.

Beijing, however, was more measured about the negotiations' overall direction. China, in an editorial in its state-run news agency published before Sunday's second day of negotiations kicked off, said it would “firmly reject any proposal that compromises core principles or undermines the broader cause of global equity.”

The discussions were held at a stately villa that serves as the residence of the Swiss ambassador to the United Nations.

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