US, China Resume Fourth Trade Talks in Madrid Amid Tariff Tensions

U.S. and Chinese officials are meeting in Madrid to address ongoing trade tensions, including the looming TikTok divestiture deadline and tariff disputes. This marks the fourth meeting in four months, with previous talks resulting in temporary trade truces and attempts to reduce retaliatory tariffs. President Donald Trump has extended current U.S. tariff rates on Chinese goods until November, complicating negotiations. The talks include discussions on national security concerns related to TikTok and broader trade issues such as Chinese purchases of American soybeans and fentanyl-related trade. Spain, hosting the talks, aims to use this opportunity to repair its strained ties with the U.S. amid recent disagreements over military and defense spending, while also positioning itself as a mediator between China and the European Union. Despite challenges, these negotiations are seen as crucial steps towards addressing long-term economic disputes between the U.S. and China.