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China is assessing US overtures to commence Tariff negotiations, confirmed the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

 

As per the ministry, senior US officials recently reached out to Beijing through third parties with proposals to start talks.

 

Tensions between the two biggest economies of the world have risen since US President Donald Trump slapped a 145 per cent tariff on Chinese imports last month as part of the broader effort targeting 90 countries.

 

Most of the new tariffs were paused for 90 days, excluding China, while a baseline of 10 per cent remains in place. Beijing responded with 125 per cent tariffs on US goods and export restrictions.

 

The ministry said China has taken a serious note of the recent events unfolding with the US and is evaluating the possibility of negotiations, adding that while Washington has expressed interest in talks, trust would be undermined if unilateral tariffs remain.

 

“The US has recently sent messages to China through relevant parties, hoping to start talks with China. China is currently assessing this,” the ministry said.

 

Trump previously suggested that the tariffs could “come down substantially” and spoke about the potential for a “fair deal with China.”

 

He also claimed that his administration was “actively” engaging with Beijing and that he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping by phone.

 

Secretary of state Marco Rubio claimed during the interview last week that Beijing was trying to initiate the diplomatic process of “reaching out” to Washington. However, China has denied this and alleged the US was misleading the public.

 

Also read: Iran halts fourth round of US nuclear talks over 'logistics'

 

In its statement on Friday, the commerce ministry noted that the US must show “honesty” by cancelling the unjustified tariffs if it wants meaningful dialogue.

 

Further, it added that China remains open to talks but will not be pressured: “If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is open.”

 

It also said that Beijing will only engage in talks if the US commits to remaining firm on their stance. “Saying one thing and doing another, or even trying to coerce and blackmail under the guise of talks, will not work with China,” the statement read.

 

Analysts expect negotiations will begin soon, citing recent market volatility and the IMF’s downward revision of global growth forecasts due to trade uncertainty.