China Confirms Working-Level Talks with US to Defuse Tariff Tensions

Beijing, April 17, 2025 — In a significant development aimed at easing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, China on Thursday confirmed that it is engaged in working-level communications with the United States regarding tariffs imposed during the prolonged trade war.

The statement, issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, marks the first public acknowledgment from Beijing in months that quiet diplomacy is underway. These talks could be a stepping stone toward potential de-escalation of tariffs that have strained bilateral ties and disrupted global supply chains.

Diplomatic Engagement Behind the Scenes

Speaking at a regular press conference, Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said, “Both sides are maintaining working-level communication on economic and trade issues of mutual concern.” However, he stopped short of providing details about the scope, participants, or timeline of the discussions.

While neither side has formally announced a new round of high-level negotiations, this revelation points to ongoing dialogue that could eventually reopen the door to structured trade talks. He emphasized that China has always maintained a consistent stance in favor of “dialogue over confrontation.”

A Trade War with Global Ripples

The U.S.-China trade war began in 2018 when the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, alleging unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and market barriers. China retaliated with counter-tariffs. Although a Phase One deal was signed in January 2020, most tariffs remain in place to this day.

The Biden administration has reviewed those tariffs but has largely left them unchanged, citing domestic manufacturing interests and national security concerns. However, business leaders and economists on both sides have urged a more pragmatic approach, warning that continued tariffs have contributed to inflation, hurt global trade flows, and complicated supply chain recoveries post-pandemic.

US Yet to Respond Publicly

So far, the U.S. has not officially commented on the latest statement from Beijing. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Department of Commerce have remained tight-lipped. However, several policy analysts suggest that this could indicate a deliberate effort to keep diplomatic channels open without creating political noise.

“Both countries are navigating economic pressures at home. Quiet diplomacy allows them to explore practical steps without triggering public backlash,” said Dr. Meena Kohli, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Economic Dialogue.

What’s at Stake

Trillions of dollars in bilateral trade and the stability of global markets are at stake. U.S. businesses continue to lobby for tariff relief, especially in sectors like electronics, agriculture, and machinery, which have seen costs rise sharply. Meanwhile, China is attempting to revive investor confidence amid a slowing economy and strained foreign investment inflows.

A breakthrough, even at the working level, could signal improved economic cooperation at a time when geopolitical frictions over Taiwan, technology restrictions, and global alignment are intensifying.

Global Markets Watching Closely

News of the talks briefly buoyed investor sentiment across Asian markets, with the Shanghai Composite and Hang Seng indexes ticking higher in early trading hours. Analysts caution, however, that without concrete outcomes, optimism may be short-lived.

“The market is looking for more than words. We need signs of actual de-escalation — either tariff rollbacks or agreement on new trade mechanisms,” said David Li, Chief Analyst at Asia Financial Insight.

A Glimmer of Hope Amid Global Uncertainty

While still in the preliminary stage, the confirmation of communication is being viewed as a small but meaningful step. The broader international community, particularly trade partners in Europe and Asia, is closely monitoring these developments, hopeful that a thaw in U.S.-China trade tensions could help stabilize the fragile global economy.

For now, the world waits — watching and hoping that diplomacy, however quiet, can succeed where confrontation has failed.