China seeks to strengthen U.S.-China relations amidst trade tensions, inviting business leaders to Beijing

From CNBC: 2025-03-25 02:27:00

Leaders and executives gathered in Beijing for the China Development Forum 2025, aiming to strengthen U.S.-China relations amid trade tensions. China seeks foreign investment and influence, adopting a conciliatory stance, as U.S. tariffs loom. Attendees discussed the economic impact of potential tariffs and uncertainty in global markets.

China aimed to reassure attendees at the conference about boosting consumption and maintaining a positive economic direction, contrasting with U.S. uncertainty. The threat of new tariffs from the U.S. in April could escalate tensions, leading to potential de-coupling. China seeks to ease anxiety and maintain trade partnerships amidst economic challenges.

U.S. Senator Steve Daines met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, marking an important step towards a potential meeting between Presidents Xi and Trump. Cooperation was urged, emphasizing the need to avoid a trade war. Business leaders discussed the importance of maintaining international ties amid economic uncertainty. Weeks, CEO of Corning, expressed optimism on CNBC. However, China’s economy faces deflation and a real estate slump, impacting growth. Despite Beijing’s support for high-tech manufacturing, it only added 1.1% to GDP growth annually, not enough to offset the 1.7% drag from real estate, per Goldman Sachs. Qualcomm’s Amon believes technology will drive economic growth.

Read more: China invites U.S. business leaders to Beijing, tries to gauge Trump