China Urges Trump to Lift Tariffs for Trade Talks to Proceed

In a tense standoff in the ongoing trade war, China has emphasized the necessity of revoking hefty tariffs on its products if the US intends to advance trade discussions.

China has officially urged the Trump administration to rescind its extensive tariffs on Chinese goods as a gesture of sincerity towards resolving their escalating trade conflict. Chinese officials expressed disappointment over a lack of trade talks amid repeated assertions from President Trump that discussions were "active."

With the trade war intensifying, China recently retaliated by returning shipments of Boeing airplanes it had ordered from the US, escalating tensions over the tariffs imposed on both sides. Trump had initially announced import fees that could reach as high as 145% on Chinese items entering the US, while China retaliated with a 125% tax on American products.

Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong made a bold statement, contending that for the United States to effectively negotiate, it must first abolish all "unilateral tariff measures." "The person who tied the bell must untie it," he added, emphasizing the need for action from the US side. Additionally, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun clarified that there have been no meaningful negotiations regarding tariffs between the two nations, contradicting the US administration's claims of ongoing talks.

Despite Trump's claims of an upcoming trade deal, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent contradicted this by stating that negotiations had not commenced. He did, however, express optimism about a potential "big deal" emerging in the future.

In light of the stalled discussions, Trump has voiced his intentions to adopt a more amicable approach towards negotiations with China in hopes of striking a deal. However, in response to China's latest maneuver, he recommended that Boeing take action against China for the returned planes, underscoring his frustrations. He reiterated his administration's concerns over China's role in the opioid epidemic impacting the US.

The ongoing trade frictions have compelled China to host a roundtable meeting with over 80 foreign firms to address the negative ramifications of US tariffs on their investments. Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji encouraged these companies to seek opportunities amid the crisis presented by the trade war.