Trade war in a deadlock: China has voiced an unrealistic condition for the US to start negotiations
25 April 09:00
China is demanding that the United States completely abolish all unilateral customs measures if Washington really wants to start negotiations to resolve the trade war. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to the Financial Times.
This statement was one of the sharpest from Beijing in the context of the deepening trade conflict between the two largest economies in the world.
Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong emphasized during an official briefing on Thursday:
“The unilateral customs measures were initiated by the United States. If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should completely cancel all unilateral customs measures against China and find a way to resolve the differences through equal dialogue.”
Despite President Donald Trump’ s repeated assertions that the two sides are in talks, Beijing categorically denies that any economic or trade consultations between China and the United States have taken place. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called reports that the two countries are approaching an agreement “fake news.”
“There have been no consultations or negotiations on duties between China and the United States, let alone an agreement,”
– the diplomat emphasized.
Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently acknowledged that the trade war is “not sustainable” and that “there needs to be de-escalation on both sides.” However, the White House has emphasized that the president will not unilaterally lift tariffs on Chinese goods.
He Yadong used a Chinese proverb, noting that
“the one who tied the bell [to the tiger] must untie it himself”
– meaning that the one who created the problem must solve it.
He added that Beijing maintains an “open attitude to consultations and dialogue,” but “pressure, threats and extortion are not the right ways to interact with China.”
Chinese analysts argue that the US imposition of high tariffs makes it difficult for Beijing to find ways to de-escalate the crisis. They note that it would be difficult for Chinese President Xi Jinping to personally negotiate with Trump on a trade war without first holding extensive consultations to agree on the terms of the agreement.
When asked when he might reduce tariffs for China, Trump replied, “It’s up to them.” He also told reporters that US and Chinese representatives met on Thursday, but declined to provide any details.
China’s Finance Minister Lan Fo’an and Central Bank Governor Pang Gongsheng are in Washington for the International Monetary Fund’s spring meeting this week.
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Trade war between the US and China
The trade confrontation between the world’s two largest economies escalated sharply in early 2025 after Trump’s re-election. on February 1, Washington imposed a 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, accusing Beijing of “unfair trade” and manipulating the yuan exchange rate. on March 4, tariffs were raised by another 10%, bringing the total level of duties to 20%.
In response, China announced the introduction of 15% duties on American agricultural products and 10% duties on other goods. This was followed by a series of announcements of new tariffs from both sides.
As a result, as of April 25, 2025, the United States increased duties on Chinese imports to 145%, leaving temporary exemptions for certain technology goods at a rate of 20%. In response, China has introduced mirror measures, imposing duties on US goods up to 125% and restricting exports of critical rare earth metals. The trade confrontation between the two countries is escalating, with no signs of de-escalation.
