China has firmly rejected any claims that they are still negotiating on tariffs with the U.S., directly refuting claims made by U.S. officials. Tensions between the two nations, already high over trade, are rising further. This is particularly the case when it comes to President Donald Trump’s massive new import taxes.
During a Beijing press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun issued the warning in no uncertain terms. To this, Ross added the good news that President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have not talked in recent memory. He emphasized, “Let me make it clear one more time that China and the U.S. are not engaged in any consultation or negotiation on tariffs.” Guo’s statements were in response to accusations from Trump that Xi had reached out to him about the ongoing tariff war.
China has called on Trump several times to lift the punitive import tariffs. These tariffs are now among the most contentious issues in the continued trade war. These taxes, often as high as 145%, in turn have resulted in an uncompromising response from Beijing. In further comments, Guo Jiakun rejected Trump’s assertion of a call from Xi, reiterating that no dialogue is taking place.
These sentiments were echoed by spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce. He announced that there are currently no ongoing TPP-style active trade talks with the U.S. “If the U.S. really wants to resolve the problem … it should cancel all the unilateral measures on China,” he stated, reinforcing China’s position that it seeks an end to what it terms unilateral tariffs imposed by the U.S.
Despite the lack of formal discussions, Brooke Rollins, Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture, maintained that dialogue is occurring at various levels. “Every day we are in conversation with China,” he noted, while suggesting that both nations are engaged in ongoing communications regarding trade goods. He underscored a critical perspective: “The bottom line with China is this, they need us more than we need them.”
Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, opened with an overview of the trade war’s effects. He doesn’t think China’s current tariffs are sustainable either. When asked when the current tensions might be resolved, he forecast they could be de-escalated within minutes. He claimed China could take more steps to mediate trade disputes. Still, Bessent laid blame for any change in relations firmly at China’s feet. “Well, I think they’re playing to a different audience,” he remarked regarding China’s approach to the ongoing situation.
The implications of this trade war are far-reaching and detrimental to both countries. Experts are sounding alarms that continued conflict will lead to significant economic repercussions. U.S. consumers will likely be stuck with higher prices and fewer available products. Empty produce shelves may soon be more than a temporary pandemic phenomenon. Many are hailing it as the start of an effective trade embargo with China.