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US-China trade war
EconomyGlobal Economy

‘Fake news’: China dismisses claims of US trade talks

Government ministries say trade negotiations not being considered after US President Donald Trump suggested the two countries have been in contact

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Highly anticipated trade talks between the US and China do not yet appear to be forthcoming. Photo: Shutterstock
Ji Siqiin BeijingandAlice Liin Hong Kong
China denied it has made any overtures to the United States on trade negotiations, dismissing claims of progress on bilateral talks as “fake news” despite an apparent softening by US President Donald Trump on the hefty tariffs he has imposed since returning to office in January.

When asked if the US and China have started trade negotiations – a question prompted by assertions from Trump that Washington has been in contact with officials from Beijing – Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun said “all of this is fake news” in a press conference on Thursday.

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The Ministry of Commerce echoed the sentiment in a conference held the same day.

“If the US truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue,” said ministry spokesman He Yadong.

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‘Fake news’: Chinese officials dismiss claims of US trade war consultations
Analysts said the ministries’ statements serve to reaffirm China’s stance: that the US bears sole responsibility for toning down the conflict.

“Today’s news confirms that China has no intention to reach out first with a proposal of its own,” said Alfredo Montufar-Helu, senior adviser at The Conference Board’s China Centre.

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“The impasse in negotiations is driven by a very simple dynamic; no side wants to bear with the political costs of being seen as capitulating to the other side.”

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