NextFin news, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng led trade and economic talks in Madrid, Spain, on Monday and Tuesday, September 15 and 16, 2025, marking progress in negotiations between the two countries.
The discussions included a framework agreement on the divestment of Chinese-owned TikTok, with commercial specifics reportedly settled, according to Bessent speaking from Madrid. This development followed U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that the trade talks were progressing well.
Chinese officials, including Li Chenggang, China’s international trade representative and vice minister of commerce, described the talks as candid and constructive, emphasizing mutual respect and equal consultation. Li highlighted the importance of a stable China-U.S. economic relationship for global economic stability and development.
Li also addressed the TikTok issue, stating China opposes politicization and will safeguard national interests and the rights of Chinese enterprises, while supporting business negotiations based on market principles. Both sides reached a basic framework consensus on resolving TikTok-related concerns through cooperation, including entrusted operation of U.S. user data and intellectual property licensing.
Despite progress, Li noted ongoing U.S. sanctions against Chinese entities, which China opposes as unilateral and violating international law. He urged the U.S. to lift restrictions to promote stable bilateral economic relations.
European markets opened with little direction on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, as investors assessed the impact of the U.S.-China trade talks. The U.K.’s FTSE and Germany’s DAX indexes were expected to open slightly higher, while France’s CAC 40 and Italy’s FTSE MIB were seen opening marginally lower, reflecting cautious market sentiment.
The talks took place at the Santa Cruz Palace, Spain’s main foreign ministry office in Madrid, underscoring the international significance of the negotiations.
Both sides committed to continuing close communication and domestic approval processes for the agreements reached, aiming to enhance cooperation and reduce misunderstandings in future economic and trade relations.
Explore more exclusive insights at nextfin.ai.
