Fri May 02 17:40:00 UTC 2025: ## China Rejects Trump Administration’s Trade Overtures Unless Tariffs Are Removed

**Beijing, May 2, 2025** – China has rejected the Trump administration’s attempts to restart trade negotiations, insisting that the removal of steep U.S. tariffs is a prerequisite for any talks. While acknowledging recent communication from Washington expressing a willingness to negotiate, the Chinese Commerce Ministry firmly stated that unilateral tariffs, some as high as 145%, are undermining trust and represent an unacceptable obstacle.

The ministry emphasized that China is open to dialogue, but will not tolerate what it calls “coercion and blackmail” under the guise of negotiations. The statement follows the Trump administration’s decision to end duty-free exemptions on low-value imports from China, a move that will increase prices and delivery delays for consumers.

This latest development escalates the ongoing trade war, marked by reciprocal tariff hikes from both sides. China has already implemented tariffs on U.S. products up to 125% and restricted exports of strategic minerals and agricultural goods. Beijing also actively seeks to build international alliances against Trump’s protectionist policies.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, however, remains optimistic, suggesting that the current tariffs are unsustainable and predicting China will eventually seek a deal. He cited intellectual property theft and cyberhacking as key concerns beyond the tariffs themselves.

Despite Bessent’s confidence, China’s rhetoric remains defiant, with the Foreign Ministry releasing a video vowing not to “kneel down” in the face of U.S. pressure. Global markets reacted positively to the news of potential negotiations, with Hong Kong and Taiwan’s stock markets experiencing significant gains. However, the uncertainty surrounding the ongoing trade dispute continues to impact consumer confidence.

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