China has called on the United States to completely lift all unilateral tariffs if Washington intends to continue trade negotiations. Representatives from Beijing assert that information regarding an impending agreement between China and the US is “fake news.”
This is reported by Finway
China’s Demands for Trade Negotiations
“There are currently no economic or trade negotiations between China and the US,” stated He Yadong, a representative of China’s Ministry of Commerce. He emphasized that “unilateral tariffs were initiated by the US. If the US truly wants to resolve the issue, they must completely lift all unilateral tariff measures against China and find a way to settle differences through equal dialogue,” the Financial Times quoted him as saying.
China stresses that the US must take the first step in de-escalating the crisis, which could lead to a significant rupture in relations between the two countries. Beijing also notes that its “doors are open” for negotiations, but the initial condition for starting dialogue is the removal of tariffs.
US Comments and Next Steps
US President Donald Trump has stated that tariffs will be reduced “substantially” and that an agreement will be reached “fairly quickly.” However, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied this information, emphasizing that “there have been no consultations or negotiations regarding tariffs between China and the US, let alone reaching an agreement,” said ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang.
He Yadong from the Ministry of Commerce noted that “the one who tied the bell on the tiger must be the one to untie it,” referencing a Chinese proverb that underscores the responsibility for the problem created. He also emphasized that Beijing is “open to consultations and dialogue,” but believes that “pressure, threats, and demands are not the right ways to interact with China.” “The trade war is a war that the US initiated unilaterally… If they want to negotiate, they must show sincerity and return to the right path of equal dialogue and consultations,” he concluded.