China has indicated a possible shift in its stance toward the United States, revealing it is “currently assessing” recent proposals from Washington to initiate trade discussions.
This marks a subtle but significant tone change that could pave the way for new negotiations between the world’s two largest economies.
In a statement released on Friday, a spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry noted, “The US has recently sent multiple messages to China through relevant parties, hoping to start talks with China. China is currently evaluating this.”
The announcement hints at a potential thaw in Beijing’s previously unyielding posture amid mounting trade tensions sparked by President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff policies.
Over the past week, President Donald Trump has maintained that dialogue with Chinese officials over a potential trade pact was ongoing.
However, those claims were repeatedly countered by China, which denied any active talks were taking place.
Despite the cautious openness, Beijing has maintained that certain conditions must be satisfied before any negotiations can begin.
“The tariff and trade war was unilaterally initiated by the US, and if it wants to negotiate, it must demonstrate genuine sincerity — that includes being prepared to correct its wrongdoings and cancel its unilateral tariff hikes,” the ministry’s spokesperson stated. “China’s position remains consistent: If it’s a fight, we will see it through to the end. If it’s talk, the door is open.”
On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed President Trump’s sentiment, stating during a Fox News interview that tariffs had adversely impacted China’s economy and Beijing was now “eager to talk.” Rubio added, “The Chinese are reaching out, they want to meet, they want to talk,” and assured that “trade talks will come up soon.”
The dispute has cast a shadow over global commerce, especially after President Trump recently escalated tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, further straining Chinese businesses. Beijing retaliated by increasing tariffs on American goods to 125%.
The fallout from the trade war has already begun to show. China, heavily reliant on exports and manufacturing, reported its fastest contraction in factory activity in 16 months, reflecting the serious damage inflicted by the tariff hikes.
Although U.S. retail giants like Walmart and Target have resumed limited operations with Chinese partners, numerous factories in China remain dormant and are now scouting new opportunities in regions such as Europe.
Forecasts for the latter half of 2025 paint a bleak picture. The National Retail Federation predicts an overall 20% drop in U.S. imports year over year, while JP Morgan estimates imports from China could plummet by as much as 75% to 80%.
This latest statement from Beijing comes after several days of contradictory messaging from both sides over whether any substantive discussions had commenced, with each country wary of appearing as the first to yield.
Recently, President Trump signaled a willingness to ease tensions, suggesting that the elevated U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods might be “substantially” reduced. He also expressed a desire to be “very nice” during any potential negotiations with President Xi Jinping.
Nevertheless, Beijing has remained skeptical. Chinese officials have insisted that all tariffs be lifted before meaningful dialogue can begin.
Earlier this week, China’s foreign ministry released a bold video on social media asserting that the country would not “kneel down” to what it described as America’s “bully” leader.
