‘Fake news’: China dismisses claims of US trade talks
When asked if the US and China have started trade negotiations – a question prompted by assertions from Trump that Washington has been in contact with officials from Beijing – Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said “all of this is fake news” in a press conference on Thursday.
The Ministry of Commerce echoed the sentiment in a conference held the same day.
“If the US truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue,” said ministry spokesman He Yadong.
“Today’s news confirms that China has no intention to reach out first with a proposal of its own,” said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, senior adviser at The Conference Board’s China Center. “The impasse in negotiations is driven by a very simple dynamic; no side wants to bear with the political costs of being seen as capitulating to the other side.”
This week, Trump indicated he would be willing to reconsider the high tariffs he has levied on Chinese goods since the beginning of his second term. He also suggested there have been communications from Beijing to start laying the groundwork for direct discussions on the matter.