“If the US wants to engage in dialogue, it should demonstrate its sincerity by correcting its mistaken practices and cancel its unilateral tariffs,” the ministry announced.
“In any possible dialogue or talks, if the US does not rectify its incorrect unilateral tariff measures, this would indicate a complete lack of sincerity on the US side and further damage the mutual trust between the two parties,” the statement continued.
Tariff impositions
By April, the US had imposed high tariffs reaching up to 145% on many Chinese products, and Beijing responded by levying 125% tariffs on imports from the US.
“Saying one thing while doing another, or even trying to pressure and blackmail under the guise of talks, will not be effective,” the Chinese Commerce Ministry stated.
US President Donald Trump had previously stated that Beijing had reached out to the US about tariffs and expressed optimism that a “very good chance we’re going to make a deal” this week.
Washington temporarily suspended tariffs on high-end tech goods such as smartphones, semiconductors and computers.
Trump’s aggressive tariff policies on almost all countries have led China, the EU, and other nations to seek alternative trade partners.
Beijing has been one of the strongest voices in its response to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. This week, the Foreign Ministry posted a video on social media declaring that China will “never kneel down!”
However, the tariffs have impacted global markets with China’s factory activity slowing down in April. Despite this, China’s exports increased by more than 12% in March, as businesses aimed to stay ahead of volatility ahead of Trump’s 90-day deadline.
US hopeful for progress with China
In Washington, officials such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett have also expressed hope for progress in easing trade tensions.
“I am confident that the Chinese will want to reach a deal. As I mentioned, this will be a multi-step process. First, we need to de-escalate, and then … we will start focusing on a larger trade deal,” Bessent told Fox Business Network this week.
Edited by: Sean Sinico
