United States-China trade discussions under exploration
Rewritten Article:
China is mulling over the possibility of trade discussions with the U.S., according to a report by Bloomberg, citing China's Ministry of Commerce.
"In recent times, the U.S. has sent a message to China via intermediaries, expressing a desire to initiate talks with China," the ministry divulged. The ministry urged Washington to be forthright with Beijing.
This statement from the Chinese side suggests that the standoff in relations between the two economic titans might take a different turn, Bloomberg hints.
The RBC Group, in association with Bloomberg, delved into how Trump's actions bolstered support for Xi Jinping[2]. The U.S. President, Donald Trump, has frequently declared that Chinese President Xi Jinping should converse with him to kick-start talks about tariffs. Recently, Finance Minister Scott Bessent also conveyed that the Chinese side should take the first step to de-escalate the escalating situation.
Trump disclosed to Time that the Chinese leader had phoned him, and his administration is reportedly engaged in "vigorous discussions" with the Chinese about reaching a deal on tariffs. "I don't believe it signals weakness on his part," the American leader asserted.
However, the Chinese Foreign Ministry denies this conversation. They express that Xi Jinping has not spoken to Trump recently and that China and the U.S. "have not conducted consultations or talks on the tariff issue." "If the U.S. genuinely aims to resolve this predicament via dialogue and negotiations, it should cease threatening and coercion," Reuters quotes the statements of the ministry's official spokesman, Geng Shuang[3].
Early in February, the U.S. levied a 10% tariff on imports from China, doubling the rate in the following month. Donald Trump also announced the introduction of "counterpart" tariffs, which amounted to 54% for Beijing. China reciprocated with retaliatory measures, prompting both sides to escalate the rates further. Post the latest escalation, U.S. tariffs for China stand at 145%, whilst the reverse is 125%. Beijing also imposed restrictions on the export of selected raw materials, including critically important minerals, after which the White House threatened 245% tariffs[4].
Insights:
- As of May 2025, the trade talks between China and the U.S. are primarily at an assessment stage, with no active negotiations ongoing.
- The issues of "respect" and sincerity among the counterparts are significant hurdles. China has shown doubts about the authenticity of the U.S.'s motives.
- Despite these hindrances, there are indications of both sides being open to further discourse. No definitive agreements or starting points for negotiation have been formulated as yet, but both parties continue to express their willingness to engage in talks[1].
Overall, while there is a gradual improvement in communication and engagement, achieving substantial progress in trade talks between China and the U.S. remains a challenging feat.
- The Ministry of Commerce in Beijing has hinted at a potential conversation between China and the U.S. regarding tariffs, as reported by Bloomberg.
- The Chinese Foreign Ministry denies a recent conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, despite Trump's assertion that such a conversation took place.
- Finance Minister Scott Bessent has urged the Chinese side to take the first step to de-escalate the business and finance industry's tense political situation.
- Early in February, the U.S. imposed a 145% tariff on imports from China, prompting China to respond with retaliatory measures, including restrictions on the export of raw materials.
- Both sides continue to express their willingness to engage in trade talks, but significant hurdles such as issues of respect and sincerity among the counterparts persist, as per the insights from recent general-news reports.
