Trump Administration Initiates Tariff Talks with China

• “Washington is reaching out to China through various channels.”
• “The US is the more anxious party,” according to a Beijing-supported news outlet.
• Claims of global supply chain issues point to multiple pressures on the US.

BEIJING: Under President Donald Trump’s administration, US officials have initiated communication with their Chinese counterparts regarding significant tariffs that are impacting markets and global supply chains, according to a news outlet backed by Beijing.

Severe US tariffs, climbing to 145% on many Chinese goods, began in April, while China has retaliated with new 125% tariffs on imports from the United States.

On Thursday, Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese outlet affiliated with state broadcaster CCTV, reported that Washington is “proactively” reaching out to China through “multiple channels” to discuss the tariffs.

“In terms of negotiation, the US appears to be the more anxious party,” the outlet, which combines news with analysis, stated on Weibo.

“The Trump administration is under various pressures,” it added. AFP has sought comments from China’s foreign ministry.

President Trump has repeatedly asserted that China has expressed interest in discussions about the tariffs.

On Wednesday, he emphasized there is a “very good chance we’re going to reach an agreement.” He noted, “But it must be on our terms and it has to be fair,” during a NewsNation “town hall” meeting.

Meanwhile, Beijing has categorically denied that any talks are currently underway, though it has urged the US to engage in discussions that are “fair, respectful, and reciprocal.”

However, China has also stated its readiness to continue the trade conflict to the end if necessary, with a social media video from its foreign ministry declaring, “We will never bow down!”