China says it’s ready to talk about trade with the US, but not like that. It also demands that it should be these discussions taking place on level playing field. The announcement comes amid growing tensions exacerbated by U.S. tariffs and increased economic pressure affecting both countries.
He Yadong, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce, stated, “At present there are absolutely no negotiations on the economy and trade between China and the U.S.” This statement serves as an indication of the overall tenor of communication between the two countries today, which is marked by increasingly strained communication over trade. He claimed that the U.S. needed to do something to fix the mess. Canceling all unilateral measures on China, including tariffs the U.S. slapped on China, is a key demand he laid out to help reduce bilateral tensions.
China’s largest trading partner is the United States, exceeding all other nations combined. This is why the design of their relationship’s dynamics is critically important. Yet recent economic indicators show a remarkable change in patterns of trade. Southeast Asia has now overtaken the European Union to be China’s largest regional trading partner on a monthly basis.
As of April 20, 2025, steel remained piled up at Guoyuan Port in Chongqing, reflecting logistical challenges amid declining imports for China. In recent weeks, several Wall Street banks have downgraded their GDP outlook for China, suggesting a growing concern over its economic stability.
For all these challenges, China’s exports jumped by more than 12% in March. Despite this, the impact from the drop in imports still creates serious economic challenges. Recently enacted Chinese government initiatives are aimed at assisting these companies in selling their export-purposed goods to the domestic market. This new, collective initiative would help leadership and communities adjust to the effects of changing trade conditions.
U.S. President Donald Trump and former Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have alluded to a thawing of these relations. Analysts such as Asia hand Kurt Campbell warn that the president-elect must “back off” from such what they call exaggeratedly fiery language. Comments like this illustrate the confusing state of play surrounding ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Each country travels through this challenging terrain. At the same time, China’s government is doubling down on supporting its businesses to adjust to the new realities on the trade front. The Ministry of Commerce continues to advocate for strategies that will support industries facing challenges due to international trade tensions.