In a possible easing of the tense trade conflict between China and the United States, Beijing has indicated that it is contemplating talks with the Trump administration, following multiple U.S. attempts to initiate negotiations. According to China’s Commerce Ministry, while there is a willingness to evaluate the U.S. offer, Beijing maintains that discussions can only proceed if Washington rescinds its tariffs on Chinese products.
China’s indication to discuss trade comes as the tariffs are already impacting Chinese manufacturers, with the latest official data showing the sharpest monthly slowing of factory output in over a year. The tit-for-tat tariffs, exacerbated by President Trump’s imposition of high rates on Chinese imports and exclusion of China from a temporary tariff pause granted to other nations, have prompted China to impose its own severe tariffs and restrict American businesses.
As the trade dispute, now intertwined with a power struggle between Mr. Trump and China’s leader Xi Jinping, rattles global markets and deepens the economic divide between the world’s two largest economic powers, other countries are increasingly being pressured to choose sides. Although there has been unofficial contact between U.S. and Chinese officials, the two sides are said to have different approaches to negotiations, with Mr. Trump favoring direct talks with Mr. Xi and China preferring preliminary discussions.
Chinese officials are also hesitant due to the concern that Mr. Trump could capriciously undo any trade agreements or cause diplomatic embarrassment, reflecting on the treatment of Ukraine’s leader at the White House. China’s response to the trade fight includes a significant propaganda effort, inciting its citizens to resist U.S. pressure.
In the midst of the standoff, there are signs that both sides may be willing to make concessions. The Trump administration temporarily exempted certain Chinese electronics from retaliatory duties, while China is considering exemptions on particular American goods. Despite the U.S. economic slowdown and public disapproval, the U.S. remains a crucial market for China, and both sides are considering strategies to mitigate the impact of tariffs on their respective economies.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/02/world/asia/china-us-tariffs-talks.html
