In a notable shift in tone, China has stated that it is “currently assessing” the United States’ proposals to begin trade talks, signaling a possible opening for negotiations after months of ongoing tensions.
The change in Beijing’s stance comes after the US President Donald Trump’s administration escalated tariffs on Chinese imports, a move that has significantly strained the economic relationship between the two superpowers.
A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce made the statement on Friday, acknowledging that the US had recently sent multiple messages through relevant channels, hoping to initiate dialogue.
“China is currently evaluating this,” the spokesperson said, hinting at a potential thaw in relations that have been marked by fierce trade disputes.
The comment indicates a softening of Beijing’s previously firm position. Over the past year, China has remained defiant in the face of rising tensions with the US, especially since the beginning of the tariff war initiated under President Trump.
This has led to an intense standoff, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other’s goods, hitting industries on both sides.
Trump’s Trade War and the Consequences for Both Sides
Since last week, President Trump has publicly stated that his administration was in talks with Chinese officials to strike a trade deal.
However, each time, Beijing has issued flat denials, making it clear that negotiations were not underway. Despite this, on Friday, China reiterated that it would only consider discussions if certain preconditions were met.
“The tariff and trade war were unilaterally initiated by the US, and if it wants to negotiate, it must demonstrate genuine sincerity — that includes being prepared to correct its wrongdoings and cancel its unilateral tariff hikes,” the spokesperson stated.
The message was clear: China’s position remains unwavering — any trade talks would require the US to retract its tariffs as a sign of goodwill.
Secretary of State Rubio Comments on China’s Willingness to Talk
On Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Trump’s tariffs have had a significant impact on the Chinese economy. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Rubio claimed that Beijing had expressed an interest in talks.
“The Chinese are reaching out, they want to meet, they want to talk,” he said, adding that trade discussions “will come up soon.”
Rubio’s comments come at a time when both economies are struggling under the weight of the tariff war. President Trump recently increased tariffs on Chinese goods to an eye-watering 145%, making it increasingly difficult for Chinese businesses to continue exporting to the US.
In response, China raised tariffs on American imports to 125%, leading to a considerable reduction in trade between the two countries.
Impact of Tariffs on Both Economies
The effects of the trade war are already being felt on both sides. China’s export-reliant economy has taken a significant hit, with orders being slashed and factories scaling back production.
Data released on Wednesday showed that China’s factory activity contracted in April at the fastest pace in 16 months. This serves as a stark indication of the damage that the high tariffs have caused to the world’s second-largest economy.
For American businesses, the impact has also been severe. Major retailers, including Walmart and Target, have resumed some business with Chinese suppliers.
However, many Chinese factories remain idle, and companies are increasingly seeking alternative markets, especially in Europe, to mitigate the effects of the tariffs.
According to the National Retail Federation, imports to the United States are expected to fall by at least 20% year-over-year during the second half of 2025. The decline from China could be even steeper, with JP Morgan forecasting a 75% to 80% drop in imports from the country.
The Stalemate and Beijing’s Firm Stance
Despite these economic pressures, both sides have remained in a stalemate. Neither the US nor China wants to appear as the first to back down in the trade dispute, making the potential for talks increasingly uncertain.
Earlier this week, President Trump hinted at his willingness to ease the trade war, suggesting that US tariffs on Chinese goods could “come down substantially.” He also promised to be “very nice” at the negotiating table, urging Chinese leader Xi Jinping to open discussions.
However, China quickly dismissed Trump’s apparent change in tone. The Chinese government has repeatedly insisted that the US must remove all tariffs as a precondition to opening trade talks.
In a striking move, China’s foreign ministry released a social media video on Tuesday showing a defiant message, stating that China will not “kneel” to America’s “bully” tactics.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for US-China Relations?
The future of US-China relations remains uncertain as both nations continue to navigate this complex economic battle. While the US has shown signs of seeking a resolution, China’s firm stance on the removal of tariffs before engaging in talks complicates the possibility of an agreement.
With the global economy teetering on the edge of further disruption, many experts believe that both countries will need to make significant concessions if a trade deal is to be reached.
For now, both sides seem willing to explore negotiations, but only under terms that protect their respective interests.
As the world’s two largest economies continue to spar, the outcome of this trade conflict will have lasting implications not only for the US and China but for global trade at large. Whether the door to dialogue truly opens remains to be seen.
Disclaimer- Our team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and maintain its credibility. We are committed to providing honest and reliable content for our readers.