US-China Trade Talks Stalemated as Economic Tensions Rise

The ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and China have led to a concerning silence regarding negotiations, raising fears about the impact on the global economy.

As trade relations between the U.S. and China continue to be strained, the two nations have found themselves in a predicament where they cannot even confirm if talks are occurring. During a recent economic briefing at the White House, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent faced questions regarding claims made by President Trump, stating that President Xi Jinping had reached out. Bessent humorously suggested that it wasn't his job to keep track of presidential phone calls, creating further ambiguity surrounding communication between the countries.

The lack of dialogue on tariff discussions has market observers on edge, with uncertainty about whether any back-channel negotiations are underway. Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, emphasized the situation by stating, "China and the U.S. have not held consultations or negotiations on the issue of tariffs,” calling for clarity in how the U.S. presents its economic stance. The implications of this standoff extend beyond mere political posturing, as it threatens to exacerbate the economic divide between the two major powers, leading to broader consequences for global trade.