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China has pushed back strongly against claims from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting that trade negotiations between the two economic superpowers are underway, stating clearly that no such discussions are currently happening.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong dismissed the assertions, saying, “There are no negotiations on tariffs taking place between China and the United States.” He emphasized that if talks were to resume, they would have to be based on equality, mutual respect, and a commitment to fair dialogue — not under pressure or preconditions.
The clarification follows President Trump’s comments earlier this week hinting at potential progress in U.S.-China trade talks and even suggesting that Washington could consider easing some tariffs if Beijing does the same. But China’s stance has remained firm: before any meaningful talks can resume, the United States must cancel its punitive trade measures.
The two countries have been locked in a bitter trade standoff that has only intensified in recent months. The United States recently imposed a 145% tariff on several Chinese goods, a move that prompted Beijing to retaliate with its own 125% tariffs on U.S. products. In addition to tit-for-tat tariffs, China has restricted exports of rare earth minerals — a crucial component in tech and defense manufacturing — and lodged a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization against Washington.
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Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered a slightly more tempered perspective, acknowledging that while formal negotiations have not resumed, there could be room for a phased de-escalation — starting with reciprocal tariff reductions. But he made it clear that the U.S. would not make unilateral concessions.
President Trump, for his part, has insisted that he’s in contact with Chinese President Xi Jinping and described the tone of those communications as constructive. However, Chinese officials have remained cautious and skeptical, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun cautioning that no real progress can happen “while extreme pressure tactics are still being applied.”
President Xi has echoed similar sentiments, warning that trade conflicts are ultimately damaging to both sides. “There are no winners in a trade war,” he said during a recent policy address, calling instead for collaboration and open dialogue between nations.
