Multiple Media Outlets Focus On U.S. Tariff 'Cooling' Signals; China Responds: 'If The U.S. Wants To Talk, Show Sincerity'
"These are all false reports." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded on the 24th to recent claims from the U.S. side that China and the U.S. are negotiating or even nearing an agreement. He Yan, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, also stated on the same day that no economic and trade negotiations are currently taking place between China and the U.S.
Prior to this, on the 22nd and 23rd, U.S. President Trump and Treasury Secretary Bassett repeatedly discussed the prospect of "easing" the tariff war with China, claiming they hoped to reach a "fair deal." Barron's reported on the 23rd that the White House is stepping back from the brink of a tariff war with China, reigniting expectations that the two rivals might find a way to reduce trade tensions.
France's Radio France Internationale (RFI) published an article on the 24th, stating that while formal trade talks between China and the U.S. have not yet begun, the window for negotiations is likely to open in the coming months as strategies adjust and external pressures shift. The key lies in whether the two sides can find a foundation of mutual trust, avoid further escalation, and reach agreements on tariffs and non-tariff measures.
He Yan emphasized on the 24th: "It takes the one who tied the bell to untie it." Unilateral tariff hikes were initiated by the U.S., and if Washington truly wants to resolve the issue, it must heed the rational voices of the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs against China, and resolve differences through equal dialogue.
"No Factual Basis"
According to AFP, when asked on the 23rd whether Washington was negotiating with Beijing, Trump replied, "Everything is very positive." When questioned about direct U.S.-China trade discussions, he said, "Every day." However, earlier that day, Bassett stated, "Both sides are waiting for dialogue with each other." He claimed that only after the U.S. and China reduce their high tariffs on each other's goods could negotiations begin.
The Financial Times noted that Bassett denied unilateral U.S. tariff cuts but reiterated on the 23rd that neither side sees the current tariff levels as sustainable. "Trade disruptions between the two countries are in no one's interest."
"China and the U.S. have not engaged in any tariff consultations or negotiations, let alone reached an agreement," Guo Jiakun responded at a Foreign Ministry press briefing on the 24th. He Yan also stated that any claims about progress in U.S.-China trade talks are baseless.
Citing unnamed sources, The Wall Street Journal reported on the 23rd that the U.S. government is considering significant tariff cuts-in some cases by more than half-to ease tensions. Trump later said the timing of tariff reductions "depends on China."
Guo Jiakun reiterated on the 24th that the tariff war was started by the U.S., and China's stance has been consistent and clear. If Washington genuinely wants to resolve the issue through dialogue, it must abandon its coercive tactics, stop threats and blackmail, and engage with China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.
He Yan urged the U.S. to correct its mistakes, "If the U.S. wants to talk, it must show sincerity," and return to the path of equal dialogue to promote stable, healthy, and sustainable bilateral economic cooperation.
Signs the U.S. is Seeking an Exit
The Times of India noted on the 23rd that signs suggest the U.S. is looking for a way out, with the White House softening its earlier hardline stance on tariffs. To some, Washington's recent rhetoric sounds like a tactic, but to many experts and investors, it reflects anxiety.
Joseph Grieco, a political science professor at Duke University, told AFP that the U.S. may continue seeking a deal with China "to avoid further market turmoil."
William Yang, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera that China will firmly maintain its current position until it sees credible moves from the U.S. government. Analysts suggest that any future trade talks may address broader issues beyond tariffs. Yang believes China sees the tariff standoff as a precursor to how U.S.-China relations will evolve over the next four years.
"China Holds Five Cards"
Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao recently commented that the U.S. tariff war is unlikely to achieve its goals because Washington overestimates its leverage and underestimates China's resilience and countermeasures.
The BBC outlined five advantages China holds in the trade dispute:
Economic Scale: As the world's second-largest economy, China can better absorb tariff impacts, with its vast domestic market cushioning exporters.
Tech Investments: Heavy spending on renewables, semiconductors, and AI reduces reliance on foreign tech.
Global South Ties: Strengthened trade with Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa since the Trump era.
Bond Market Leverage: China's holdings of U.S. debt can influence Washington's decisions.
Rare Earth Dominance: Near-monopoly on rare earth extraction and refining.
Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz told Stern that China has concluded it holds the initiative, as U.S. tariffs would only worsen inflation and supply shortages. "China's economy is stable, while America's is weakening."
Global Backlash Against U.S. Tariffs
A Thai reader wrote in the South China Morning Post on the 24th that the U.S. is increasingly isolated, lacking support from allies like Canada and the EU. Domestically, businesses and public opinion also oppose tariffs.
The Financial Times reported that U.S. firms are calculating the costs of tariffs, with warnings from sectors like transport, energy, and telecom. Over 90% of S&P 500 earnings calls this quarter mentioned tariffs, and 44% cited "recession."
A Pew Research poll found 59% of Americans disapprove of tariff hikes. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed only 37% approve of the government's economic handling.
On the 23rd, attorneys general from 12 U.S. states sued the federal government, calling tariffs "arbitrary and unlawful." California had filed a similar lawsuit earlier.
U.S. allies are also suffering. Outgoing German Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned on the 24th that Germany's 2024 growth could stagnate at 0% due to U.S. tariffs. South Korea's Q1 GDP unexpectedly shrank, partly due to trade tensions.
A day before Korea's GDP data, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul stated that "no regional country wants to choose between the U.S. and China."
Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told EFE on the 23rd that markets show "collision with China via extreme tariffs is unworkable and incompatible with economic growth."
