China Reviewing U.S. Signals on Potential Tariff Negotiations, Says Commerce Ministry

BEIJING: China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday that it is considering the possibility of engaging in trade discussions with the United States, following several recent remarks by senior U.S. officials signaling interest in renewed negotiations.

In an official response to a media inquiry, the ministry confirmed that Washington has conveyed its intention to open dialogue through multiple diplomatic channels. China, in turn, is currently assessing the situation and weighing its options.

Reiterating its long-standing stance, the ministry stated, “China’s position remains consistent: we are ready to defend our interests if necessary, but we are also open to dialogue.” The ministry emphasized that the trade conflict was initiated by the United States and stressed that any meaningful negotiations would require Washington to act with sincerity—specifically by reversing what China views as unjustified tariff increases.

Additionally, the statement acknowledged that U.S. officials have suggested they may be open to modifying current tariff policies. However, the Chinese side cautioned that talks would be unproductive if the U.S. fails to take steps to undo those measures. Without such actions, the ministry warned, negotiations would lack credibility and further erode trust between the two countries.