China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed Thursday that it continues to maintain working-level communication with U.S. trade officials, but renewed demands for Washington to abandon its current pressure tactics. Spokesperson He Yongqian reiterated Beijing’s position during a press conference, stating that while China remains open to economic and trade consultations, the onus is on the U.S. to undo the damage caused by its unilateral tariff policies.
“The unilateral tariff hikes were initiated entirely by the U.S. side,” He said, employing a Chinese proverb: “It is up to the one who tied the bell to untie it.” The expression underscored Beijing’s view that Washington is responsible for the current trade tensions and must act first to resolve them.
He called on the U.S. to immediately halt what he labeled “maximum pressure,” coercion, and blackmail. He emphasized that only through “equal dialogue based on mutual respect” can the two nations find a sustainable path forward.
The statements come as trade relations between the world’s two largest economies remain tense, with tariffs still in place on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of goods. Despite some attempts at engagement, both sides have maintained their core positions—Washington demanding reforms and fair trade, and Beijing resisting what it perceives as foreign interference in its economic model.
These latest comments signal China’s continued resistance to U.S. trade pressure, even as officials maintain backchannel talks. With little sign of a major breakthrough, observers expect trade friction to remain a flashpoint in the U.S.–China relationship, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where China policy remains a high-profile issue.
