China’s Commerce Ministry announced on Friday that Beijing is “evaluating” Washington’s offer for talks regarding President Trump’s 145% tariffs. However, the ministry warned the United States against engaging in “extortion and coercion.”
Washington and Beijing are engaged in a trade war, characterized by a cat-and-mouse game over tariffs. Neither side wants to appear to back down. This has disrupted global markets and supply chains.
The Commerce Ministry stated the United States has approached China. They are seeking talks regarding Trump’s tariffs. Beijing’s door is open for discussions, suggesting a possible de-escalation.
This statement followed a social media post linked to Chinese state media. The post said Washington had been seeking talks. It also came a week after Trump claimed discussions were already underway, which Beijing denied.
The statement asserted, “The U.S. has recently taken the initiative on many occasions to convey information to China through relevant parties, saying it hopes to talk with China.” It added that Beijing was “evaluating this.”
The ministry declared, “Attempting to use talks as a pretext to engage in coercion and extortion would not work.”
The U.S. should be prepared to act. They should act by “correcting erroneous practices” and canceling unilateral tariffs. The Commerce Ministry added that Washington needed to show “sincerity” in negotiations.
Beijing responded to the U.S. tariffs in April with levies on U.S. goods of 125%. Beijing labeled Trump’s tariff strategy “a joke.”
Analysts say the tit-for-tat increases could make trade impossible. Import duties beyond 35% could eliminate Chinese exporters’ profit margins. American products could become similarly exorbitant in China.
China has repeatedly denied seeking to negotiate its way out of the tariffs with the United States. Instead, it seems to be waiting for Washington to make the first move.
Trump’s decision to impose import duties on Beijing comes at a difficult time. China is struggling with deflation due to slow economic growth and a property crisis.
Beijing has expressed anger at the tariffs. They say they are tantamount to bullying and cannot stop its economic rise.
China has quietly created a list of U.S.-made products it will exempt from retaliatory tariffs. These include select pharmaceuticals, microchips, and jet engines. China also is using its propaganda machine to hit back at the duties.
The Trump administration ended U.S. duty-free access for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong. These shipments were known as “de minimis” exemptions.
U.S. officials have expressed hope for progress in easing trade tensions. These officials include Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett.
Bessent said, “I am confident that the Chinese will want to reach a deal. And as I said, this is going to be a multi-step process. First, we need to de-escalate, and then … we will start focusing on a larger trade deal.”
Trump said on Wednesday he believed there was a “very good chance” his administration could make a deal. This came hours after Xi Jinping called on officials to adapt to changes. He did not explicitly mention the United States.
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