China ‘Assessing’ Whether to Open Trade Talks with U.S.

China announced Friday that it is evaluating whether to begin formal trade negotiations with the United States, potentially signaling the first diplomatic opening in a long-running tariff standoff between the two economic powers.

He Yongqian, A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce stated, “The U.S. side has recently taken the initiative to convey information to the Chinese side through relevant parties on several occasions, hoping to talk with the Chinese side. In this regard, the Chinese side is assessing it.”

While some Western analysts interpreted the statement as a softening in Beijing’s tone, the Chinese government’s emphasis on U.S. outreach may instead reflect growing pressure on the Trump administration to de-escalate an economically damaging trade war. Currently, the U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, with China retaliating with 125% tariffs on American goods.

Over the past month, President Donald Trump and other officials have repeatedly claimed that negotiations with Beijing were either ongoing or imminent, but Chinese officials have consistently denied that any such talks were taking place. In contrast, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, speaking at a private event two weeks ago, acknowledged that no formal talks were underway and admitted that the current trade situation was “not sustainable.”

He Yongqian reiterated that China views the U.S. as the initiator of the trade conflict, maintaining that any genuine dialogue should begin with Washington lifting tariffs to demonstrate “sincerity.”

The economic strain from the prolonged trade war is beginning to show. This week, U.S. economic data revealed a 0.3% contraction in GDP during the first quarter of 2025. While imports spiked as companies rushed to buy goods before tariff increases took effect, the data also indicated a drop in consumer spending.

President Trump dismissed concerns over the economic slowdown but acknowledged that prices could increase from the tariffs if the trade war persist.