Beijing: China on Thursday denied any suggestion of negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump over tariffs. China’s comments followed President Trump’s earlier remarks that suggested ongoing discussions with China, hinting that the final tariff rate on Chinese exports would be significantly reduced from the current 145 percent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, clarified during a briefing that there were no ongoing consultations or negotiations on tariffs between China and the U.S. “For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal,” he stated. He Yadong, a spokesman for the Commerce Ministry, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that any form of negotiations must be based on mutual respect and equality.
Trump had earlier told reporters that “everything’s active” when questioned about his engagement with China. However, his treasury secretary noted the absence of formal negotiations. The U.S. had imposed 145 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, while China retaliated with 125 percent tariffs on U.S. products. Unlike other countries that received a 90-day pause on tariffs, China faced immediate economic countermeasures.
In response to U.S. actions, Beijing raised tariffs, restricted exports of rare earth minerals, and filed multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization. China has insisted that any talks should include the cancellation of all tariffs it currently faces. The Commerce Ministry spokesman stated, “The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United States. If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China.”
Despite the ongoing tensions, Trump expressed a desire for positive relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating, “We are going to live together very happily and ideally work together.”