In a statement from Beijing, Chinese officials on Thursday refuted claims that any active engagements were underway between the United States and China concerning trade tariffs. This came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that the tariff rates on Chinese goods might be significantly reduced from the existing 145%.
An official from China’s Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, addressed the media, clarifying, “To my knowledge, there are no current negotiations or consultations occurring with the U.S., nor have we reached any form of agreement.” He further emphasized that any conjectures regarding progress in trade discussions were baseless.
Echoing similar sentiments, Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong reiterated China’s stance, saying that while China remains open to dialogues and consultations, they have to be premised on mutual respect and equality. He dismissed any assumptions concerning ongoing China-U.S. negotiations as groundless.
Earlier in the week, President Trump had hinted at lively exchanges between the two nations, although his Treasury Secretary stated otherwise, indicating the absence of formal talks. When queried about China’s denial of any ongoing conversations, Trump insisted meetings had taken place but cryptically added that it was inconsequential who the participants were.
There has been increasing concern among U.S. businesses and consumers that the imposed tariffs could lead to heightened inflation and potentially economic recession. These concerns are reflective of the controversial retaliatory measures set forth by Trump, who has also expressed interest in reshaping these tariffs.
Amidst these mixed signals from the Trump administration, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted progress with South Korea, indicating possible settlements on technical terms as early as the following week. Yet moments later, Trump reverted to earlier assertions, underscoring the physical challenges of negotiating with numerous countries simultaneously, hinting at setting fixed prices for deals.
Interestingly, Trump initiated a 145% tariff on goods imported from China, and in a tit-for-tat strategy, China responded with a 125% tariff against U.S. products. Unlike other nations granted a temporary reprieve, China intensified its countermeasures, imposing restrictions on rare earth exports and lodging multiple complaints at the World Trade Organization.
China asserted that for any fruitful negotiations, all current tariffs must be lifted. As He Yadong pointed out, the unilateral imposition of these tariffs was instigated by the U.S. and any meaningful resolution would necessitate a comprehensive repeal of said measures and open, equitable discourse.
Despite these ongoing tensions, on Tuesday, Trump indicated a willingness to foster a cooperative relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He remarked optimistically, “We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together.”