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China confirmed on Friday that it is considering a proposal from the United States to engage in dialogue over ongoing tariff disputes, while making it clear that any potential negotiations must be grounded in sincerity and fairness.
According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce, Washington had “taken the initiative” to reach out through various channels, expressing a desire to reopen talks. “China is currently evaluating this,” a ministry spokesperson said.
The development comes amid an intensifying trade spat that has seen tit-for-tat tariff hikes. In April, the United States imposed punitive tariffs as high as 145 percent on a range of Chinese imports. Beijing retaliated swiftly with its own set of steep tariffs, raising duties by up to 125 percent on selected American goods.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that China is eager to negotiate and, earlier this week, stated there is a “very good chance we’re going to make a deal.”
However, Beijing has until now denied that formal talks have resumed. Officials have instead insisted that any discussion must be conducted in a “fair, respectful and reciprocal” manner. The Chinese government has also reiterated its willingness to continue the trade war if provoked, with the foreign ministry recently sharing a defiant message online, declaring: “never kneel down!”
On Friday, the commerce ministry reiterated that the United States must demonstrate genuine intent if it hopes to engage in constructive dialogue.
“If the US wants to talk, it should show its sincerity, be ready to correct its wrongful actions, cancel the unilateral tariffs, and take real steps,” the spokesperson said.
“Without correcting its unilateral tariff measures, the US is simply showing a lack of sincerity, and this will further erode mutual trust,” the statement added.
