China to Trump: Cancel Tariffs If You’re Serious About Trade Talks

Tensions between the U.S. and China are once again flaring, as Chinese officials firmly rejected any suggestion that trade negotiations are underway—unless President Donald Trump makes the first move by lifting tariffs.

Beijing is demanding that the U.S. cancel its sweeping import taxes on Chinese goods before any meaningful talks can begin. "If the U.S. truly wants to resolve this, it must first remove its unilateral tariff measures," said Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong. He added pointedly, “The person who tied the bell must untie it.”

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Despite claims from the Trump administration that trade negotiations are active, Chinese officials contradicted that narrative. Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made it clear: “There have been no consultations, no negotiations, and no agreements.”

Even U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed talks haven’t started, though he hinted at a potential “big deal” on the horizon, calling the current trade conflict “unsustainable.”

The standoff comes as both nations continue to escalate their economic hostilities. President Trump has slapped tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with its own tariffs—up to 125% on American goods.

In a symbolic blow, China recently returned several Boeing aircraft it had previously committed to purchasing, citing rising trade tensions. Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, confirmed that two planes were already sent back, with more expected to follow.

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Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, criticizing China’s decision to return the jets and renewing longstanding accusations that Beijing is complicit in America’s fentanyl crisis.

Meanwhile, China is working to maintain confidence among foreign investors. At a roundtable this week, Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji encouraged more than 80 international companies to stay the course, suggesting that “crisis can be turned into opportunity.”

With neither side appearing ready to blink, the world’s two largest economies remain locked in a trade war that shows no signs of cooling—unless, as China says, tariffs are taken off the table first.