Chinese officials say they are not in negotiations with the United States over tariffs despite Donald Trump’s claims.
This week Trump told reporters that “everything’s active” when asked if he was engaging with China, and suggested the 145% tariff he imposed on Chinese imports would come down “substantially” amid active negotiations with the country.
However, Chinese officials denied that the two sides are negotiating and that any suggestion of progress in the trade war was as groundless as “trying to catch the wind.”
“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,” said Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong.
“Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual basis.”
Trump placed a 145% tariffs on imports from China, while China hit back with 125% tariffs on U.S. products.
Chinese officials also said that the Trump administration must cancel the 145% tariff before any future talks can begin.
“The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United States. 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, completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and find ways to resolve differences through equal dialogue,” said He.
