China rejects US claims of ongoing trade negotiations, denouncing Washington’s contradictory signals as destabilizing for global markets and a tactic to mask the failures of Trump’s tariff war.

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China Demands Respect and Equal Dialogue from U.S. to Negotiate Tariffs: ´´We Do Not Fear a Trade War´´

In a stark rebuke to the Trump administration, China has categorically denied the existence of trade negotiations with the United States, labeling recent American statements as “misleading” and aimed at sowing confusion in global markets. As the tariff war, unilaterally triggered by Washington, continues to disrupt economies worldwide, Beijing’s message is clear: the US must take responsibility for the crisis it created and cease its campaign of misinformation.

Contradictory US Messaging Masks Policy Failures

The Chinese Embassy in Washington issued a direct statement rejecting the Trump administration’s assertions that trade talks are underway, emphasizing that “there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the US on the tariff issue.” This position has been consistently echoed by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce, which have denounced the US for attempting to shift blame and project false stability to domestic and financial audiences.

On the U.S. Expressing Willingness to Dialogue with #China on #Tariff:

🔺There have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the #US on the issue of tariffs, let alone any agreement being reached.

🔺The #tariffwar was unilaterally provoked by the U.S., and… pic.twitter.com/WGMrlSlUW8

— Liu Pengyu 刘鹏宇 (@SpoxCHNinUS) April 26, 2025

Professor Bao Jianyun of Renmin University highlighted that these conflicting signals from Washington are designed to reassure US markets and the public, but ultimately reveal the administration’s lack of coherent strategy. “These contradictory signals seek to project a sense of ‘stability’ to the domestic audience and the US financial markets,” Bao explained, underscoring the performative nature of the White House’s communication.

The Trump administration’s aggressive escalation of tariffs-raising rates on Chinese imports to an unprecedented 145%-has been met with swift and targeted retaliation from Beijing, which imposed its own 125% tariffs on US goods. China’s response has included not only counter-tariffs but also strategic restrictions on exports of critical materials, signaling its readiness to “fight to the end” and defend its economic sovereignty.

Left-wing analysts across Latin America have consistently criticized the US approach as a form of economic aggression that undermines multilateralism and global cooperation. Rather than fostering dialogue, Washington’s protectionist measures have deepened inequalities and exposed the vulnerabilities of developing economies to the whims of US policy.

Negotiation on Whose Terms? Beijing Demands Equality and Respect

Chinese officials have reiterated that any genuine negotiation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and sincerity-principles Washington has repeatedly violated by imposing unilateral measures and demanding concessions. Zhou Mi, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, stressed that “China has been continuously opening up to the world, while it is the US that is launching protectionist measures,” highlighting the hypocrisy in American rhetoric.

For progressive observers, this standoff is emblematic of a broader pattern in US foreign policy: using economic might to extract concessions while refusing to address the systemic injustices embedded in global trade structures. Beijing’s insistence on fair terms reflects a growing demand among Global South nations for a more just and multipolar economic order.

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