China Denies Trump’s Claim of Active Tariff Talks/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ China refutes President Trump’s claims of ongoing tariff negotiations. Officials say there’s no factual basis for reports of trade progress. China insists any talks must involve equal footing and full tariff rollback.
No Ongoing Tariff Talks with U.S., China Says — Quick Looks
- China Denies Negotiations: Beijing says reports of U.S. trade talks are unfounded.
- Trump Says Tariffs May Be Reduced: The U.S. president claimed progress that China denies.
- Beijing Responds Firmly: Commerce Ministry compares claims to “chasing the wind.”
- China Demands Full Tariff Removal: China insists on canceling all U.S.-imposed duties.
- Trade War Escalates: Both countries maintain retaliatory tariffs of over 100%.
- Diplomatic Standstill: No formal talks are currently underway, says China.
China Denies Tariff Talks Amid Rising U.S. Trade Pressures
Deep Looks
BANGKOK (April 24, 2025) — China on Thursday pushed back against President Donald Trump’s claim that active trade negotiations were underway, saying any suggestion of progress on tariffs was entirely without merit and likened such statements to “trying to catch the wind.”
Trump earlier this week floated the idea that tariff rates on Chinese goods — currently set at 145% — could come down “substantially.” But Chinese officials swiftly denied the existence of formal talks and said any dialogue must be grounded in mutual respect and equality.
“Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are groundless and have no factual basis,” said He Yadong, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce.
U.S.-China Trade Talks Stalled
While the Trump administration has granted a 90-day tariff pause to many other countries — giving them space to negotiate — China has not received the same treatment. Instead, Beijing has responded with 125% retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, along with other economic countermeasures.
China has:
- Restricted exports of rare earth minerals vital to U.S. tech industries
- Filed multiple complaints at the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- Reaffirmed it will “fight to the end” if unfair trade practices continue
“The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United States,” He said. “If the U.S. truly wants resolution, it must cancel all unilateral tariff measures and engage in equal dialogue.”
Trump’s Tone: Mixed Signals
Despite escalating tariffs and no formal negotiation, Trump signaled a softer tone toward Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying he would be “very nice” and preferred cooperation over conflict.
“We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” Trump said Tuesday.
This sentiment comes amid increasing pressure on the administration to ease tensions that have disrupted supply chains, raised prices, and rattled global markets.
Treasury Contradiction Adds to Confusion
Trump’s statements appeared to contradict comments by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who earlier clarified that no formal talks were currently taking place between Washington and Beijing.
That disconnect has led to confusion in markets and skepticism among analysts and trade experts who see little movement toward resolution in what has become a long-running and complex trade war.
China Demands Tariff Rollback
Beijing reiterated that any serious negotiation must start with the cancellation of all tariffs imposed under Trump’s trade strategy. Until then, Chinese officials said, talk of progress is premature and misleading.
“If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should listen to the rational voices of the international community,” He Yadong said.
Despite Trump’s occasional attempts to signal optimism, both sides remain firmly entrenched, and the economic impact continues to mount — affecting global manufacturing, retail supply chains, and tech production.
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