(The Epoch Times)—China’s communist regime said on May 23 that it would continue talks with the U.S. government to stabilize their bilateral relationship as both sides work to resolve trade disputes.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu spoke via phone with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on May 22 to address “important issues of common concern,” according to a readout issued by the regime’s foreign ministry.
The officials also exchanged views on U.S.-China relations and agreed on the need to continue to maintain communication, the ministry stated, without providing further details.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce also confirmed the phone discussion between the two officials, saying the talks covered “a wide range of issues of mutual interest” but did not provide specifics.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of the bilateral relationship to their people and the world, and agreed to keep lines of communication open, she said in a statement.
90-Day Pause
The two nations agreed in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 12 to establish a mechanism for further discussions on economic and trade issues. The aim was to de-escalate trade tensions that resulted from the imposition of substantial tariffs on each other in recent months.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said both sides reached an agreement to temporarily pause their trade measures on one another and cut reciprocal tariffs for 90 days.
Under the agreement, the United States and China will each reduce tariffs by 115 percentage points while retaining an additional 10 percent tariff on each other’s imports, according to a fact sheet issued by the White House.
As a result, the U.S. reciprocal tariff rate on Chinese imports dropped from 145 percent to 30 percent, while China lowered its tariffs on U.S. goods from 125 percent to 10 percent.
President Donald Trump imposed those tariffs on imports from China and other trade partners in an effort to close trade deficits and address what he described as unfair trade practices against the United States.
In a fact sheet released following the deal, the White House stated that the U.S. goods trade deficit with China was $295.4 billion last year, marking “the largest with any trading partner.” The agreement is expected to address this trade imbalance, it stated.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has stated that the high tariffs have “severely damaged normal bilateral trade and disrupted the international economic and trade order.”
On May 21, the U.S. delegation at the World Trade Organization (WTO) urged member states to address failures in commercial relations that it said had led to huge trade deficits, and called for urgent reforms to the WTO system.
“The multilateral trading system, as currently constructed, has been unable to address the serious challenges that face the system,” the delegation said in a statement.
The United States claimed that WTO members had not addressed severe trade imbalances and non-market policies that it described as contrary to WTO principles.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.