China Urges U.S. to Lift Tariffs Denies Ongoing Trade Talks

China has called on the United States to remove its extensive tariffs on Chinese goods, emphasizing that the removal of these measures is a critical step in resolving the ongoing trade dispute between the two nations.

In a statement on Thursday, He Yadong,spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, argued that if the U.S. is genuinely committed to resolving the trade war, it must first eliminate all unilateral tariff measures.

He further referenced a Chinese saying, stating, “The person who tied the bell must untie it,” underscoring that the U.S. should take responsibility for reversing its actions.

The call for tariff removal comes amid heightened tensions, with China retaliating against U.S. tariffs by returning Boeing aircraft that had been previously ordered. This is part of China’s broader response, which includes imposing up to 125% tariffs on American goods in retaliation to up to 145% import duties imposed by the Trump administration.

Despite President Donald Trump’s comments suggesting that U.S.-China trade negotiations are active, Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, categorically denied these claims, stating that no trade talks have occurred.

He also dismissed reports suggesting ongoing negotiations as false.

Contradicting Trump’s statements, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that trade talks had not yet commenced, although he acknowledged the possibility of a “big deal” being struck in the future. Bessent also described the trade war as unsustainable and emphasized the urgency of deescalating tensions.

In response to China’s actions, Trump took to Truth Social, suggesting that Boeing should “default” on its contracts with China due to the aircraft returns. He also renewed his criticism of China regarding the illicit flow of fentanyl into the U.S., which he has previously blamed for contributing to the country’s opioid crisis.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government hosted a roundtable meeting with over 80 foreign businesses to address concerns about the impact of U.S. tariffs on their operations in China. Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji encouraged these firms to view the current challenges as opportunities, urging resilience amid the escalating trade conflict.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides holding firm in their positions, and the prospects for a resolution to the trade war remain uncertain.