Sharp China with Bill Bishop Trade Talks in Switzerland; Continuing Data Opacity Concerns; Xi Heads to Moscow; The CIA Takes to YouTube
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May 8, 2025 US and China engage in trade talks in Switzerland, with experts urging caution on expectations. Concerns rise over the opacity of Chinese economic data, highlighting the challenges posed by missing statistics. Xi Jinping's visit to Moscow sparks analysis of China's strategic ties with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Meanwhile, the CIA's unusual recruitment approach, using Mandarin-language videos, raises eyebrows on Chinese social media, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions.
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US-China Trade Talks Begin
- The U.S. and China are beginning talks in Switzerland despite prior Chinese insistence on tariff removal first.
- These talks are unlikely to immediately resolve tariffs but represent a step toward dialogue amid ongoing tensions.
China Softens on Tariff Talks
- China agreed to talks without U.S. tariff rollbacks, marking a notable shift from their earlier hardline stance.
- This move may signal China's concern over economic pain from tariffs and global expectations.
Trade War or Strategic Decoupling?
- The U.S. approach might not merely be a trade war but an effort to decouple strategically from China in key sectors.
- This decoupling strategy might prevent any real trade deal and lead to lasting supply chain changes.