US and China dispute who requested tariff talks

The United States and China are publicly disputing who initiated the upcoming trade talks in Switzerland, each claiming the other requested the meeting to discuss high tariffs. This disagreement sets a tense tone before the crucial negotiations. Both sides are engaged in a public relations battle, with the US suggesting China reached out, and China denying it. This back-and-forth is seen as a proxy fight for leverage, impacting perceptions of strength and the effectiveness of tariffs. The dispute highlights the sensitivity surrounding trade negotiations between the world's two largest economies, with historical context suggesting China rarely initiates such high-level calls. The focus now shifts to the actual talks.