BANGKOK (AP) – On Thursday, China strongly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump's claims that active negotiations were underway regarding tariffs between the two nations. The Chinese government characterized such assertions as entirely unfounded, likening them to "trying to catch the wind." This statement came after Trump indicated the intention to significantly reduce the tariff rate on Chinese exports from the present 145% during remarks on Tuesday.
In a statement, He Yadong, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce, emphasized that China's stance remains unchanged. He asserted their openness to consultations and dialogues, but insisted that these discussions must take place on the basis of mutual respect and equality. He further stated, "Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis."
Trump had earlier described ongoing engagement with China as "active," although his Treasury Secretary had previously stated there were no formal negotiations in progress. The current bilateral trade environment has been heavily influenced by Trump's imposition of 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, to which China retaliated with its own 125% tariffs on American goods.
While Trump granted other countries a temporary 90-day reprieve from tariffs in exchange for commitments to negotiate, China has faced no such easing. Instead, Beijing has increased its tariffs and implemented various economic responses, pledging to "fight to the end." For instance, China has placed restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals and initiated multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization.
Furthermore, China has asserted that any negotiations should include a complete withdrawal of the existing tariffs imposed by the U.S. He reiterated this point by stating, "The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United States. If the United States truly seeks to resolve the issue, it should acknowledge the rational voices of the international community and all parties domestically. It must completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China and work towards resolving differences through equal dialogue."
Despite the ongoing economic tensions, Trump expressed a desire to maintain amicable relations, stating that he would be "very nice" in his interactions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He optimistically declared, "We're going to live together very happily and ideally work together."
