China Denies Ongoing Trade Talks Amid Escalating Tariff Dispute

Beijing on Thursday dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claims of ongoing trade talks as “groundless,” stating there are no active negotiations between the two economic giants. “As the competent department for foreign economic and trade relations, I would like to emphasise that there are currently no economic and trade negotiations between China and the United States,” said Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong during a news conference. He added, “Any claims about the progress of China-US economic and trade negotiations are groundless and have no factual basis.” China urged the United States to correct its “wrong practices” and return to “equal dialogue and consultation.”

The dispute stems from a tit-for-tat tariff battle, with Trump imposing new levies on Chinese goods reaching up to 145 percent on many products, in what he claims is retaliation for unfair trade practices and an effort to revive US manufacturing. In response, Beijing slapped 125 percent duties on US imports. The escalating measures have rattled global markets and sparked fears of a potential recession.

Despite Beijing’s denial, Trump told reporters on Wednesday that he believed a “fair deal with China” was possible, asserting that “everything’s active” when asked about ongoing talks. Pressed on whether there is direct US contact with China on trade, Trump responded, “Every day.”