China demands U.S. cancel all tariffs immediately
- Chinese officials deny that there are active negotiations with the U.S. regarding tariffs.
- China insists that any productive discussion is contingent on cancelling all unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States.
- The current trade tensions reflect deeper geopolitical challenges, with both countries maintaining firm positions.
In response to ongoing tensions in trade relations, Chinese officials firmly rejected suggestions of progress in negotiations with the United States. During a press briefing on April 24, 2025, He Yadong, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, emphasized that any claims of active trade negotiations between the two nations were unfounded. Earlier discussions had seen U.S. President Donald Trump expressing hopes of lowering the current hefty tariffs on Chinese goods, which are set at 145%. However, Chinese representatives clarified that any form of dialogue must first involve a complete cancellation of these unilateral U.S. tariff measures. The trade conflict escalated when the United States unilaterally increased its tariffs, prompting retaliatory actions from China, including raised tariffs on U.S. products and restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals. Trump, meanwhile, had indicated a willingness to adopt a friendlier approach towards China, preferring cooperation over confrontation. Despite this, Chinese officials maintained that the U.S. needed to acknowledge the rational calls for change from both the international community and within the U.S. itself, signaling that pressing China with threats would not lead to a resolution. The U.S. Treasury Secretary acknowledged the current tariff rate as unsustainable and referred to it as a type of trade embargo. He suggested that with proper efforts, a significant trade agreement could be reached, stating that trade tensions might ease in the coming months. While the U.S. showed some willingness to negotiate, the Chinese stance remained firm: until the unilateral tariffs are revoked, discussions would not be meaningful. China’s consistent response underscores its demand for mutual respect and equality in the negotiation process. As tensions remain high, the Chinese side declared a commitment to fight if necessary but also left the door open for talks, provided that the terms align with their expectations of mutual respect. The backdrop of the trade situation not only involves tariffs but also broader geopolitical dynamics, influencing both countries' economic strategies and international relations.