A Chinese media reported today, Thursday, that, unlike US President Donald Trump’s statements, Washington, not Beijing, is the “urgent” to negotiate customs duties, stressing that “the US administration took the initiative” in many bilateral contacts.
For weeks, the two largest economies in the world have been fighting a commercial war that ignited the American President.
Trump imposed 145% customs duties on most Chinese products imported by his country. China responded with an additional customs duties by 125% on its American imports.
Today, Thursday, the “Yuuan Tantian” social network of the Chinese Radio and Television Authority, quoting sources familiar with the matter, said that “some time ago, the United States took the initiative to communicate with China through various channels, hoping to start negotiations on the issue of customs definitions.”
“With regard to negotiations, there is no doubt that the United States is the most urgent party. The Trump administration is currently facing several pressure: economic pressure, and pressure from public opinion as well,” according to the French Press Agency.
The US President has repeatedly indicated that China had contacted the United States for bilateral talks on customs duties, but Beijing strongly denied this.
According to the Chinese official media, “in the absence of concrete measures by the United States, China has no reason to enter into discussions with the American side.”
“As a science, there were no consultations or negotiations between China and the United States on the fees,” said Jia Kun on Wednesday.
talks
Trump said in an interview with an American media published last Friday that his administration was holding talks with China, the second largest economy in the world, to reach an agreement on the fees and that Chinese President Xi Jinping called him.
Beijing has repeatedly denied that such talks were held, accusing Washington of “misleading public opinion.”
Trump said on Wednesday that he believes that there is a “very good opportunity” that his administration could reach an agreement with China, hours after an invitation by President Xi to take measures to adapt to changes in international circumstances, without expressly mentioning the United States.
Beijing has always pledged to fight “to the end” the trade war between it and Washington if the latter continues its customs procedures.
This week, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a video in which it confirmed that the country “will not kneel.”
