Beijing dismisses Trump’s claim of ‘actively’ talking to China on trade as ‘baseless’ | World News

China on Thursday firmly rejected claims that it is holding talks with the United States to reach a deal on tariffs, calling such reports “without factual basis.” The denial came amid speculation in international media about possible behind-the-scenes efforts to ease trade tensions.
“There is no consultation or negotiation on tariffs between China and the US, let alone any deal being reached,” said Chinese Foreign Minry spokesperson Guo Jiakun at a press briefing. He added that China’s position is “consent and clear,” stressing: “We will fight if it is a must. Our doors are open if the US wants to talk; dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit.”
The Commerce Minry echoed the same tone. Its spokesperson He Yadong said reports of active discussions are unfounded: “there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States, and any claims about progress in China-US economic and trade negotiations are baseless rumors without factual evidence.”
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“If the US truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue,” he added.
The rebuttals followed remarks Donald Trump, who said this week that Chinese officials had initiated contact with Washington to resume tariff talks. According to the Reuters, Trump struck a softer tone on Tuesday, saying he would be “very nice” to Chinese President Xi Jinping. “We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” he said, adding that the final tariff rate on China’s exports would come down “substantially” from the current 145 per cent.
Adding to the speculation, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly told investors that the current tariff levels—up to 245 per cent on Chinese goods—are “unsustainable,” and that a de-escalation could happen “very near” in the future.
Trump claimed earlier this week that “everything’s active” when asked about possible trade talks with China. However, his Treasury Secretary contradicted this, saying no formal negotiations are underway.Story continues below this ad

Trump imposed 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with 125 per cent tariffs on US goods. While the Trump adminration granted a 90-day tariff pause to several countries willing to negotiate, China was excluded. Instead, Beijing escalated its response raising its own tariffs, restricting rare earth mineral exports, and filing multiple complaints against the US at the World Trade Organization.
China reiterated that any negotiations must begin with a rollback of all US-imposed tariffs. “The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated the United States,” said Chinese Commerce Minry spokesperson He Yadong. “If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should face up to the rational voices of the international community and all parties at home, completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and find ways to resolve differences through equal dialogue.”
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