China and US start fifth round of trade talks in Malaysia today to prep for APEC | investingLive

High-level trade negotiations between China and the United States are scheduled to begin in Malaysia today, Friday, October 24, 2025, marking the fifth round of such talks.

The discussions will involve China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng, alongside US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The primary purpose of the meeting is to consult on key bilateral economic and trade issues.

Talks are also intended to set the stage for a potential meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump at the upcoming APEC summit, which will be held from October 31 to November 1, 2025.

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The market impact will likely be one of “watchful waiting,” with initial cautious optimism reducing immediate volatility.

Investors will be sensitive to the tone of the negotiations; positive signals or progress on key issues could boost global equities, emerging market currencies, and commodities tied to global growth.

Conversely, any reports of deadlock or fresh disagreements could quickly sour sentiment, triggering a ‘risk-off’ move into safe-haven assets.

Sectors highly exposed to bilateral tariffs, such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture, will experience the most volatility as traders speculate on the outcomes.