‘Show sincerity’: China urges US to drop tariffs ahead of first trade talks
As top Chinese and US officials meet in Switzerland this weekend, Beijing calls on Washington to prove it is serious about negotiations
China has warned that it will not sacrifice its principles to reach an agreement with the United States, as Beijing urged Washington to drop its tariffs ahead of their first trade talks since US President Donald Trump began ramping up duties on imports from the world’s second-biggest economy.
“China’s firm opposition to the US’ abuse of tariffs has been consistent. If the US truly wants to resolve issues through negotiations … it must show sincerity and be prepared to correct its wrongdoings, including removing unilateral tariffs,” said He Yadong, spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, at a press conference on Thursday.
“[If the US] uses negotiations as a cover for continued coercion and pressure, China will by no means accept it.”
But the US Commerce Department said on Wednesday that it would simplify some export controls on advanced semiconductor chip exports to China. It was not clear if the announcement was related to the scheduled talks.
The Trump administration is also considering tariff exemptions on Chinese imports of car seats, prams, cots and other essential items for transporting children, said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday.