China on Thursday rejected claims that it was holding negotiations with the United States over tariffs, contradicting statements made by US President Donald Trump just a day earlier. Trump had suggested that talks were ongoing for a potential trade agreement between the world’s two largest economies.
“As far as I know, China and the US have not consulted or negotiated on the issue of tariffs, let alone reached an agreement,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun during a press briefing in Beijing. He reaffirmed that while China is open to dialogue, it will not back down from defending its interests.
The Trump administration has slapped tariffs as high as 245% on Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate with 125% duties on all US imports. Guo emphasized that the trade war was triggered by the US and reiterated China’s readiness to respond decisively if necessary. “Our doors are open, if the US wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiation must be equal, respectful, and reciprocal,” he concluded.
