China Evaluates U.S. Trade Talks Amid Tariff Tensions/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ China confirmed it is reviewing multiple approaches from the Trump administration regarding renewed trade talks but insists that unilateral U.S. tariffs must be lifted first. Beijing criticized the 145% tariff hikes as damaging trust and accused Washington of “coercion.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remains optimistic that Beijing will ultimately seek a deal.
China Evaluates U.S. Trade Talks Amid Tariff Tensions: Quick Looks
- China says it is assessing multiple U.S. proposals for trade talks
- Beijing demands removal of steep U.S. tariffs, up to 145%
- Chinese officials accuse U.S. of “coercion and blackmail”
- Treasury Secretary Bessent says deal is still possible
- Beijing tightens mineral exports and halts key U.S. imports
- Trump ends duty-free exemption on all Chinese goods
- Hong Kong and Taiwan stock markets rally despite uncertainty
- Chinese media vow nation “will not kneel” in tariff standoff
Deep Look: China Open to Trade Talks But Says U.S. Tariffs Must Go First
BEIJING — China’s Commerce Ministry said Friday it is actively evaluating overtures from the Trump administration for a new round of trade talks, but signaled firmly that no discussions will begin unless punitive U.S. tariffs are removed.
In a statement issued during a national public holiday, the ministry repeated Beijing’s longstanding position that it welcomes dialogue—but only if Washington backs off its sharp escalation of tariffs, some of which now reach 145% on Chinese goods.
“If the U.S. wants to talk, it should show sincerity,” the statement read, “and take action on correcting wrong practices and canceling unilateral tariffs.”
An unnamed spokesperson added that Beijing has taken note of recent signals from high-level U.S. officials expressing interest in negotiation.
“The U.S. has repeatedly conveyed a willingness to talk through relevant parties,” the spokesperson said. “China is evaluating these messages carefully.”
However, the ministry warned that any engagement without meaningful changes to current tariffs would be seen as disingenuous.
“Saying one thing and doing another, or using talks as a guise for coercion, will not succeed,” the ministry cautioned.
Trump Ends Duty-Free Imports from China
As of Friday, the Trump administration terminated duty-free status for low-value Chinese imports. All shipments are now subject to inspection and taxation—adding cost, time, and complexity to U.S. supply chains.
This policy shift is part of a broader strategy led by President Trump to encourage American manufacturing and punish foreign competitors, especially China. Since returning to office, Trump has imposed a global 10% tariff on imports and introduced reciprocal tariffs against countries that maintain their own trade barriers.
But China, the world’s second-largest economy, has been the primary focus of U.S. trade actions. Trump’s tariffs have triggered a full-scale trade war, with Beijing retaliating with its own measures, including:
- Up to 125% duties on U.S. imports
- Bans on American agricultural products
- New export controls on rare earth minerals used in tech manufacturing
- Coordinated efforts with other countries to oppose Trump’s tariff regime
Treasury Secretary: Tariffs Are a Means, Not the Goal
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the administration’s point person on China, expressed optimism that Beijing would come to the table.
“The tariffs aren’t sustainable,” Bessent said Thursday on Fox Business. “I am confident the Chinese will want to reach a deal.”
However, he emphasized that tariffs aren’t the only issue. He accused China of broader misconduct, including cyber espionage, intellectual property theft, and trade restrictions.
“There’s a whole range of bad behavior by the Chinese,” Bessent said. “Everything is on the table for the economic relationship.”
Markets React as Trade Uncertainty Lingers
Despite the tensions, markets across Asia rallied on Friday. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 1.7%, and Taiwan’s benchmark jumped 2.2%, reflecting investor hopes that the stalemate may eventually lead to a compromise.
U.S. futures also ticked up slightly in early trading, though analysts warn that ongoing uncertainty over tariffs and trade policy may still depress consumer confidence and corporate planning.
China Pushes Back with Propaganda Offensive
China’s Foreign Ministry released a viral social media video this week accusing the U.S. of “stirring up a global tariff storm” and vowed not to surrender in the face of economic pressure.
“Kneeling only invites more bullying,” the video said, reinforcing the message that China will resist Trump’s economic campaign, even as it keeps diplomatic channels open.
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