The People’s Republic of China on Thursday denied U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that the two countries were involved in serious negotiations over tariffs, saying that any suggestion of progress in this matter was as groundless as “trying to catch the wind.”
China’s position came on the heels of comments credited to Trump on Tuesday that the final tariff rate on China’s exports would come down “substantially” from the current 145%.
Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong said: “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,” adding that any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are baseless without factual basis.
Trump had told reporters earlier in the week that “everything’s active” when asked if he was engaging with China, although his Treasury Secretary had said there were no formal negotiations.
Recall that Trump had put 145% tariffs on imports from China, while China hit back with 125% tariffs on U.S. products.
But, while Trump has given other countries a 90-day pause on the tariffs, as their leaders pledged to negotiate with the U.S., China remained the exception. Instead, Beijing raised its own tariffs and deployed other economic measures in response while vowing to “fight to the end.”
For example, China restricted exports of rare earth minerals and raised multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization.
China also stated that talks should involve the cancellation of all tariffs it currently faces.
The spokesman, He, stated that, “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.”
However, in the face of economic measures against China, President Trump hinted Tuesday that he would be “very nice” and not play hardball with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Trump stated, “We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,
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