2025.04.1702:18:25UTC+00China Stocks Hold Steady as Trade Talks Eyed

The Shanghai Composite Index maintained its position above 3,270, while the Shenzhen Component Index experienced a 0.3% increase to reach 9,800 on Thursday. This stability in mainland Chinese stocks is attributed to recent reports indicating that China is willing to engage in trade discussions with the United States, albeit under specific conditions. Beijing's requirements for these talks include a call for greater mutual respect, consistent policies, and the appointment of a US negotiator who has the full support of President Trump. Initial confusion arose following a White House announcement suggesting that certain Chinese goods might be subjected to tariffs as high as 245%, including both recent and past tariffs from the first Trump administration. However, the markets found some reassurance in the clarification that the new tariffs would instead be set at 145%. The technology sector led the market's gains, with notable performances from Talkweb Information, which surged by 10%, Cambricon Technologies, which increased by 3.4%, and Shanghai Belling, which rose by 3.5%.