China denies US tariff deal talks, calls claims baseless

Beijing: On Thursday, China firmly rejected reports of ongoing negotiations with the United States regarding a tariff deal, stating that such claims have "no factual basis".

“China and the US are not having consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here, reacting to reports that China and the US are having talks and are even about to reach a deal.

“This tariff war was launched by the US. China's position is consistent and clear. We will fight if it is a must. Our doors are open if the US wants to talk; dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit,” Guo said.

Separately, China's Commerce Ministry has also refuted reports about the US-China talks to reach a deal on tariffs, saying there is “no factual basis” for such reports.

Replying to questions at a media briefing, the ministry's spokesperson, He Yadong, said, “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.”

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to reevaluate the high tariffs imposed on Chinese goods since the start of his second term. According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, Trump suggested that senior officials from Beijing had initiated contact with Washington to explore the possibility of discussions on the matter.

Additionally, during a closed-door meeting with investors on Tuesday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly described the ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and China as unsustainable, highlighting the growing pressure for a resolution.

“No one thinks the current status quo is sustainable at 145 and 125 [per cent], so I would posit that over the very near future, there will be a de-escalation,” he said, referring to the top end of most of the tariffs that Trump has put on imports from China, the Post report said.

Trump has imposed 145 per cent tariffs against China, and in a later fact sheet on tariffs, the White House on Apr 17 said China now faces up to a 245 per cent tariff on imports to the US as a result of Beijing's retaliatory actions of imposing 125 per cent levies against US imports.

While escalating tariffs against China, Trump has paused his tariffs against the rest of the countries, including India, for 90 days, leaving Beijing isolated.

(inputs from PTI)