Beijing Dismisses Claims of Ongoing U.S. Tariff Negotiations

China on Thursday firmly denied engaging in any tariff negotiations with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, contradicting his earlier suggestion of progress in talks.

Speaking at a press briefing, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, stated, “For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal.”

Trump had claimed on Tuesday that discussions with China were “going on fine” and that the steep 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods could be reduced significantly. However, Beijing’s response suggested no such discussions were taking place.

He Yadong, a spokesman for China’s Commerce Ministry, reiterated China’s position: “China’s position is consistent and we are open to consultations and dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and in an equal manner.”

He further dismissed U.S. claims of progress as unfounded: “Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.”

Despite Trump’s statements earlier in the week that “everything’s active” regarding China talks, U.S. Treasury officials acknowledged there were no formal negotiations underway. Trump has imposed a 145 percent tariff on Chinese imports, to which China responded with 125 percent tariffs on U.S. products.

Unlike other countries granted a 90-day delay in tariff enforcement, China received no such pause. Instead, it responded with retaliatory measures—raising tariffs, restricting rare earth exports, and filing multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization.

Beijing has also emphasized that any dialogue must begin with the lifting of existing tariffs. “The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United States,” said the Commerce Ministry spokesman.

“If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should face up to the rational voices of the international community and all parties at home. It should completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and find ways to resolve differences through equal dialogue,” he added.

Despite the standoff, Trump struck a more conciliatory tone when speaking of Chinese President Xi Jinping, stating it would be “very nice” not to take a tough stance. “We are going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” he said.