In a significant escalation in the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, China has firmly stated that it will not engage in trade negotiations with the U.S. unless President Donald Trump removes the tariffs currently imposed on Chinese goods. This comes after continued tensions and retaliatory measures from both sides.
China Calls for Tariff Removal to Begin Talks
China’s Commerce Ministry spokesperson, He Yadong, emphasized that any resolution to the trade conflict would require the U.S. to remove its “unilateral tariff measures.” He referred to the tariffs as a barrier to meaningful negotiations.
In his statement, Yadong insisted that the person who initiated the tariffs must be the one to undo them, reinforcing China’s stance that the U.S. must make the first move to ease the situation.
Retaliation and Growing Tensions
China has already retaliated by sending back Boeing planes it had ordered from the U.S. as part of its response to the ongoing tariff war. Trump had previously suggested that the U.S. could reduce tariffs, but not eliminate them entirely.
His latest remarks on Truth Social accused China of unfair actions, particularly highlighting its role in the fentanyl crisis and its refusal to honor certain trade agreements, like the Boeing plane orders.
China Holds Discussions with Foreign Companies
Amid the escalating tensions, China also addressed the concerns of over 80 foreign companies operating within its borders. The Chinese Commerce Ministry held a roundtable to discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on foreign investment and business operations in China.
Despite the adversity, Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji urged foreign businesses to turn the current crisis into an opportunity, underlining China’s commitment to maintaining strong trade relations despite the ongoing trade war.
Trump’s Mixed Signals on Trade Negotiations
While President Trump had previously claimed that trade negotiations were “active,” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent contradicted this by stating that talks had not yet begun.
Trump has stated he is open to a “big deal” with China, but for now, tensions continue to mount, particularly over the tariff disputes. He indicated that his approach would remain “very nice” to encourage cooperation, though his latest comments seem to signal continued frustration with China’s actions.
Outlook for the Trade War
The future of U.S.-China trade relations remains uncertain. While Trump has expressed hope for a resolution, China’s demand for the removal of tariffs first and its ongoing retaliatory measures suggest that a deal may be far off. Both sides continue to prepare for potential long-term economic consequences, especially with foreign businesses in China caught in the middle of the tariff disputes.