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China’s comments come after Trump said Tuesday that the final
tariff rate on China's exports would come down “substantially”
from the current 145%.
“China’s position is consistent and we are open to consultations
and dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations
must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and in an equal
manner,” said Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong. “Any
claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade negotiations are
groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual
basis.”
Trump had told reporters earlier in the week that "everything’s
active” when asked if he was engaging with China, although his
Treasury Secretary had said there were no formal negotiations.
Trump had put 145% tariffs on imports from China, while China
hit back with 125% tariffs on U.S. products. While Trump has
given other countries a 90-day pause on the tariffs, as their
leaders pledged to negotiate with the U.S., China remained the
exception. Instead, Beijing raised its own tariffs and deployed
other economic measures in response while vowing to “fight to
the end.” For example, China restricted exports of rare earth
minerals and raised multiple cases against the U.S. at the World
Trade Organization.
China also made it clear that talks should involve the
cancellation of all tariffs it currently faces.
“The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the
United States. If the United States really wants to solve the
problem, it should face up to the rational voices of the
international community and all parties at home, completely
cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and find
ways to resolve differences through equal dialogue,” said He,
the spokesman.
Despite the economic measures leveled against China, Trump said
Tuesday that he would be “very nice” and not play hardball with
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“We’re going to live together very happily and ideally work
together,” Trump said.
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