China says it’s evaluating U.S. overtures for trade talks, but tariffs remain an obstacle

China evaluates Trump administration's trade talks, demands removal of steep tariffs, emphasizing sincerity and trust in negotiations.

China’s Commerce Ministry said on Friday (May 2, 2025) that Beijing is evaluating multiple approaches by the Mr. Trump administration for trade talks, but steep tariffs imposed by Washington must go.

A ministry statement reiterated China's stance that it is open to talks, but also that Beijing is determined to fight if it must. It said one-sided tariffs of up to 145% remain an obstacle, undermining trust.

“The tariff and trade wars were unilaterally initiated by the U.S., if the U.S. side wants to talk, it should show its sincerity, and be ready to take action on issues such as correcting wrong practices and canceling the unilateral imposition of tariffs,” it said.

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An unnamed ministry spokesperson was cited as saying that Beijing had taken note of various statements by senior U.S. officials indicating a willingness to negotiate over tariffs.

“At the same time, the U.S. has recently taken the initiative to convey information to the Chinese side on a number of occasions through relevant parties, hoping to talk with the Chinese side. In this regard, the Chinese side is making an assessment,” it said.

But it emphasized that China would regard overtures without a change in President Donald Trump's sharp tariff hikes as insincere.