China to Trump: Cancel Tariffs If You Want Trade Talks

Beijing/Washington: China has issued a firm message to the United States, demanding the cancellation of sweeping tariffs as a precondition for resuming trade negotiations. The response comes after President Donald Trump suggested that discussions between the two nations were ongoing.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong emphasized on Thursday that there have been no active trade talks, countering President Trump's claims. "If the U.S. truly wants to resolve the issue, it should remove all unilateral tariff measures," He said. He added pointedly, "The person who tied the bell must untie it," underlining that the responsibility lies with the U.S. to de-escalate the dispute.

The tariff battle between the world’s two largest economies has intensified in recent weeks. The U.S. has imposed import duties as high as 145% on Chinese goods, while China has retaliated with up to 125% tariffs on American products. In its latest move, China returned Boeing aircraft that had been ordered from the U.S., escalating the standoff further.

Trump, however, appeared to soften his tone, saying that tariffs on Chinese imports “would come down substantially, but it won’t be zero.” He has maintained that talks are “active,” despite contradictory statements from his own administration. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that while negotiations have not started, there remains potential for a "big deal."

China’s Foreign Ministry also reinforced the message, with spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating that there have been no consultations or agreements between the two sides, dismissing any contrary reports as false.

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform by criticizing China for not accepting previously ordered Boeing planes, describing the situation as emblematic of broader grievances. He also accused China of enabling the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. via Mexico and Canada, linking it to a national health crisis.

The head of Boeing, Kelly Ortberg, confirmed that China had returned two aircraft due to trade tensions, with a third expected to be sent back. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said a roundtable had been held on Wednesday with over 80 foreign companies to discuss the impact of U.S. tariffs on their operations in China. Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji encouraged companies to see challenges as opportunities amid the growing uncertainty.

With no formal negotiations in place and both sides firm on their positions, the trajectory of U.S.-China trade relations remains uncertain. However, signs of potential dialogue linger—provided a change in approach emerges from Washington.