Beijing, China — China is urging the United States to lift tariffs on Chinese goods as a necessary first step to reopening trade talks, emphasizing that dialogue cannot proceed under coercive pressure.
The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated that China is “assessing the situation” after recent reports of Washington expressing a desire to engage in discussions over tariff issues. However, Beijing insists that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and equality.
“If forced to fight, China will fight to the end, and for talks, the door is open,” a MOFCOM spokesperson said. “But sincerity is key, and there can be no sincerity without the removal of the measures that ignited this trade war.”
The trade dispute began when the previous U.S. administration imposed punitive tariffs on Chinese goods under the pretext of correcting trade imbalances. Years later, these tariffs remain in place, with some Chinese imports facing duties as high as 245 percent. In response, China has imposed tariffs of up to 125 percent on U.S. goods.
The ongoing tensions have disrupted global supply chains, increased consumer prices, and strained the relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Businesses and consumers on both sides are feeling the impact, and the global economy continues to grapple with inflation and uncertainty.
Despite reports of the United States extending an olive branch, Beijing remains cautious. “Saying one thing while doing another, or attempting to use talks as a cover for coercion and blackmail, will not work with China,” the MOFCOM spokesperson added.
China’s position is clear: any genuine dialogue must begin with the removal of unilateral U.S. tariff hikes. Accepting talks without first addressing these measures would legitimize coercion as a negotiating tactic, a precedent that China—and indeed any sovereign nation—finds unacceptable.
Analysts suggest that if Washington truly seeks to mend ties, it must demonstrate sincerity through concrete actions. Lifting tariffs could pave the way for constructive dialogue, rebuild trust, and alleviate economic pressures affecting both countries and the global community.
The coming weeks may offer an opportunity for a course correction. However, time is of the essence. Without genuine steps from the United States, the impasse is likely to deepen, and the prospects for resolution may become even more remote.
