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China’s Position on US Trade Talks
Chinese state media has suggested there would be "no harm" in engaging in trade discussions with the Trump administration, indicating a potential easing of Beijing’s stance as both nations seek to resolve the ongoing tariff conflict. This comes as President Trump has expressed a desire to negotiate, coinciding with the impact on China’s economic data, where factory activity in April experienced a significant decline as export orders decreased.
Yuyuan Tantian, an account linked to state broadcaster CCTV, mentioned on China’s Weibo platform that Beijing would not need to initiate discussions with the US unless Washington took substantive actions. However, it noted that if the US wishes to engage, it would not be detrimental for China.
The post, citing unnamed sources, highlighted that US officials had sought to engage China through various channels to discuss tariffs. It also referenced US economic data, including empty ports and a GDP contraction in the first quarter, suggesting that Washington appeared more eager for negotiations.
Analysts indicated this language as a softening of Beijing’s previous position, where the commerce ministry stated the US would need to eliminate its tariffs on China before talks could commence. Andrew Polk of Trivium China noted the post seemed to prepare for negotiations, portraying the US as the more anxious party and positioning China from a place of strength.
Zichen Wang, a researcher at the Center for China and Globalization, remarked that social media signals from Yuyuan Tantian suggested China’s readiness for negotiations. He noted that for progress, the US must show respect, avoid hostile rhetoric, and demonstrate genuine sincerity.
As Washington and Beijing engaged in escalating tariff measures following Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese goods, talks have been anticipated. Despite Trump claiming potential discussions with China’s President Xi Jinping, officials have indicated existing barriers need resolution first.
Jamieson Greer, the US trade representative, stated that there have been no trade negotiations since Trump took office. Trump’s attempts to negotiate directly with Xi face hurdles, with Chinese officials demanding preliminary agreements before leader discussions.
Amid warnings from retailers like Walmart and Target about the trade war’s impact, both nations have softened tariff impacts by exempting crucial goods such as iPhones and chemical imports. However, the ongoing stand-off is affecting both economies, with declining traffic at US ports and furloughs at Chinese export-dependent factories.
Lynn Song, ING’s chief economist for greater China, emphasized that the primary challenge for China in this endurance test with the US is the stability of the job market.
