China urges US to end tariffs amid hopes for trade war de-escalation
Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong has stressed equal dialogue to resolve the China-US tariff war and restore the global trade order.
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A US and a Chinese flag wave outside a commercial building in Beijing on July 9, 2007 (AFP/Getty Images)
China has called on the United States to completely cancel its unilateral tariffs on Chinese goods, emphasizing that equal dialogue is the only path to resolving the ongoing China-US tariff war. The statement comes as US officials suggest a potential easing of trade tensions.
Commenting on US President Donald Trump's recent remarks that US tariffs on Chinese goods are "very high" but may be reduced "substantially," Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said, “The person who tied the bell must untie it.”
He stressed that the United States initiated the unilateral tariff increases and, if serious about resolving the trade dispute, must listen to the international community and domestic voices calling for an end to the tariffs.
US tariff policy 'harmful to global trade'
He Yadong criticized the US for abusing tariffs, stating that such actions violate basic economic and market principles. “These measures fail to address the US' own issues while severely undermining the global economic order and disrupting normal business operations and consumer lives,” he said.
The spokesperson reiterated that the tariffs have not only harmed global trade stability but also sparked strong opposition both internationally and within the United States.
International, domestic opposition to tariff abuse grows
The comments follow US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s statement that the China-US tariff war will de-escalate. However, Beijing maintains that any true resolution must begin with the US removing its tariff measures and engaging in fair, balanced discussions.
China has indicated a willingness to engage in US trade talks, but insists that negotiations must occur without threats or coercion. This comes after President Trump suggested he might ease tariffs on Chinese goods, raising hopes for a breakthrough in ongoing economic tensions.
“China’s attitude towards the tariff war launched by the US is quite clear: We don’t want to fight, but we are not afraid of it. If we fight, we will fight to the end; if we talk, the door is wide open,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday.
Read more: White House mulls tariff rollback to ease China trade tensions: WSJ