China on Wednesday signaled a renewed willingness to engage in trade negotiations with the United States, declaring that “the door for talks is wide open” amid ongoing tariff tensions.
The statement follows recent comments by US President Donald Trump, who hinted that the sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports—some as high as 145 percent—could be significantly reduced once a trade agreement is in place. The tariffs, introduced during Trump’s second term, have escalated a long-running trade war between the two global powers.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated Beijing’s preference for dialogue over confrontation. “We do not wish to fight, nor are we afraid of fighting,” he said. “If necessary, we will fight to the end. But the door for talks is wide open.”
Also read: Tariffs ‘hurt multilateral trade and world economic order,’ says China
Guo also issued a subtle warning to Washington, cautioning that expressing an interest in negotiation while simultaneously exerting maximum pressure would be counterproductive. “One cannot seek cooperation while resorting to coercion,” he noted.
The remarks come as markets remain on edge amid fears that continued economic hostilities between the US and China could deepen global financial instability. Despite this, Beijing’s message appears to underscore a strategic openness to de-escalation—on its own terms.
China’s statements comes while Trump earlier revealed his intentions to lower tariffs on China. Speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, he told reporters the 145 per cent tariff rate would “come down substantially.” He said, “145 per cent is very high, and it won’t be that high. No, it won’t be anywhere near that high. It’ll come down substantially. But it won’t be zero ‒ used to be zero. We were just destroyed. China was taking us for a ride.” He added, “We’re going to be very nice, they’re going to be very nice, and we’ll see what happens. But ultimately, they have to make a deal because otherwise they’re not going to be able to deal in the United States.”
Trump’s softer tone followed a warning from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who reportedly told investors at a JP Morgan forum that the trade standoff is “untenable” and “no one thinks the current status quo is sustainable.”
The trade conflict has resulted in US tariffs of 145 per cent on Chinese imports, with China responding with 125 per cent duties on US goods. Some items, like smartphones and semiconductors, are exempt, but a 20% blanket tariff linked to fentanyl concerns remains.
While formal talks haven’t started, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said over 100 countries are interested in new trade deals after Trump’s global tariff announcement—though China isn’t one of them yet. She insisted the administration is “setting the stage” for a future deal and is “doing very well” on trade.
Markets responded positively, with US stock indexes rising over 2% after Bessent’s remarks, suggesting investors are hopeful about easing tensions.
Also read: End to US-China trade war? Trump now says tariffs on China will ‘come down substantially’
