China Denies Ongoing Trade Talks with US, Rejects Trump’s Claims as Baseless

By Staff, Agencies

China firmly rejected claims by US President Donald Trump that trade negotiations over tariffs were underway, describing the assertions as unfounded and likening them to “trying to catch the wind.”

The denial came on Thursday from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, following Trump’s remarks earlier in the week in which he suggested that the steep 145% tariffs on Chinese exports to the US would soon be “substantially” reduced.

Ministry spokesperson He Yadong dismissed those claims, saying, “China’s position is consistent. We remain open to consultations, but they must be based on mutual respect and conducted on equal footing. Any talk of progress is entirely without foundation.”

Trump had previously told reporters that discussions with China were “active,” despite a conflicting statement from his own Treasury Secretary confirming that no formal talks were taking place.

Amid escalating tensions, the US has imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to respond with its own 125% tariffs on US exports. While several other countries received a 90-day suspension on the new tariff regime, China was excluded, triggering retaliatory actions. These included restrictions on rare earth mineral exports and the filing of multiple cases against the US at the World Trade Organization.

China has consistently emphasized that meaningful negotiations can only begin once all unilateral US tariff measures are withdrawn. “If the US truly wants a resolution, it should heed the rational voices from the global community and its own citizens by lifting all unilateral tariffs and engaging in equal dialogue,” He Yadong added.

Despite the standoff, Trump attempted to strike a softer tone on Tuesday, claiming he would be “very nice” toward Chinese President Xi Jinping. “We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work together,” he said, even as the rift over tariffs continues to deepen.