In a sharp response to growing tensions between the world’s two largest economies, China has demanded that the United States remove all unilateral tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, insisting that there have been no substantial talks about reaching a trade deal.
Speaking at a regular briefing in Beijing on Thursday, He Yadong, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce, stated that the US should heed both international and domestic calls for tariff removal if it is serious about resolving trade issues. He added that claims of progress in trade negotiations were unfounded, urging the US to demonstrate sincerity if a deal is to be reached.
He’s comments came after US President Donald Trump suggested this week that he may consider reducing tariffs on Chinese imports, which currently average 145%. Trump had remarked that discussions with China were “active” and expressed confidence that Beijing would “do fine” once talks reached a resolution. However, China’s response indicates that such gestures may not be sufficient to ease tensions.
In response to Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies, China has remained cautious, with officials at one point labeling the tariffs as “meaningless.” Beijing has also warned other nations against entering trade agreements with the US that could undermine China’s interests, underscoring how ongoing trade disputes could damage global trust.
China’s stance was further articulated by Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People’s Bank of China, who warned that the persistent friction between the two nations could erode trust in the global economic system. Speaking at a Group of 20 meeting in Washington on Wednesday, Pan urged for greater cooperation to prevent the global economy from descending into a cycle of “high friction, low trust.”
Pan, who is part of the Chinese delegation at the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington, pointed to the importance of multilateral trade frameworks in safeguarding global stability. Despite Trump’s softened rhetoric on tariffs, no official bilateral meetings have been announced, leaving many questions about the future of trade talks unanswered.
Amid these tensions, Pan reiterated that there are “no winners in trade wars,” and assured that China would remain committed to free trade and a multilateral trading system.
Related topics:
World Bank Urged to Boost Lending Amid Aid Cuts
