China urges the U.S. to remove tariffs on its goods, signaling a desire to reduce tensions in the ongoing trade war. According to Chinese officials, lifting these tariffs would show that Washington is serious about resolving the conflict. As a result, Beijing has made the cancellation of all unilateral tariffs a key condition for further cooperation.
Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong reinforced this message. He referenced an old proverb: “The person who tied the bell must untie it.” In other words, he believes the U.S. should take the first step toward de-escalation, since it initiated the current tensions.
President Donald Trump claimed that trade talks were active as Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun denied these claims. He stated that no consultations or negotiations had taken place and dismissed reports to the contrary as false.
China returned several Boeing planes it had ordered from the U.S. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed that two aircraft had already been sent back, with another one expected soon. This move not only retaliated economically but also delivered a symbolic message to Washington.
Naturally, Trump did not take this lightly. He posted on Truth Social, urging Boeing to sue China for rejecting the aircraft. Additionally, he repeated long-standing accusations that China is responsible for the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. He blamed the drug for countless American deaths and criticized Beijing’s handling of the crisis.
Adding to the confusion, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent contradicted Trump’s earlier statements. He said formal talks had not yet begun. He also expressed hope for a “big deal” and emphasized the importance of de-escalation. Bessent warned that the situation is “not a joke” and cannot continue in its current state.
To ease investor concerns, China’s Ministry of Commerce hosted a roundtable with more than 80 foreign businesses. Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji encouraged companies to stay resilient. Moreover, he advised them to turn this crisis into an opportunity, promising continued support from Beijing.
Currently, U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods stand as high as 145%. In retaliation, China has imposed tariffs up to 125% on American product. This has created financial strain for both countries and added uncertainty for global markets.
As China urges U.S. to remove tariffs, both sides remain publicly divided. Without honest dialogue and mutual compromise, the trade war threatens to damage not just the world’s two largest economies, but the broader international business environment.
