The United States has reached out to China with a proposal to initiate discussions over the sweeping import tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, according to a social media post published by a Chinese state media affiliate on Thursday.
While Beijing has so far made no official move to reciprocate, the post signals a potential softening of tone in an otherwise strained trading relationship.
The comments appeared on Yuyuan Tantian, a Weibo account linked to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Citing unnamed sources, the post claimed that “the U.S. has proactively reached out to China through multiple channels, hoping to hold discussions on the tariff issue.” It is the first such indication from the Chinese side that Washington may be seeking to de-escalate tensions after Trump’s administration raised tariffs on a broad range of Chinese imports to 145%.
Although not an official government communication, the post drew attention given its platform and timing. It included remarks attributed to anonymous experts who said that while China has no immediate need to engage, “there is no harm” in responding to the U.S. overture. The post suggested Beijing should monitor developments closely and discern Washington’s true intentions in order to “maintain the initiative in both negotiation and confrontation.”
The statement comes amid ongoing denials from Chinese officials that any talks have taken place. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun reiterated on Wednesday that “as far as I know, there have been no consultations or negotiations between China and the U.S. on tariffs.” This followed comments by Trump in a U.S. media interview last Friday claiming that discussions were underway and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had personally called him to discuss a potential deal. Beijing has publicly refuted that assertion, accusing Washington of “misleading the public.”
Despite its rhetoric, China has taken limited practical steps to reduce the impact of U.S. tariffs on its domestic economy. Reuters previously reported that Beijing compiled an exemption list of American goods that would not be subject to its retaliatory 125% tariffs. These exemptions include select pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and aviation components—suggesting a desire to cushion economic disruptions in sensitive sectors.
Trump’s tariffs, which began under his first term and were sharply increased after his return to office in January 2025, have now reached levels that make Chinese goods effectively uncompetitive in the U.S. market. Economists at Nomura estimate that a sustained 50% drop in exports to the United States could lead to job losses for up to 16 million Chinese workers, underlining the potentially severe long-term effects on China’s export-driven economy.
Nevertheless, official Chinese commentary has remained resolute. The Foreign Ministry has previously compared any attempt to negotiate under pressure to “drinking poison.” Beijing has instead focused its efforts on galvanising domestic and international opposition to the tariffs, framing them as unilateral and unjustified.
According to Chinese policy analysts, any return to the negotiating table would require evidence that Washington is prepared to make substantive concessions. “Dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit,” has remained the standard line from Chinese officials in recent months. While Trump’s administration has expressed optimism about striking a deal, Chinese state media has consistently highlighted a lack of trust and transparency in U.S. trade policy under the current leadership.
Yuyuan Tantian, while not considered one of the more authoritative arms of China’s state media, is nonetheless part of the broader government communications apparatus. Its publication of remarks suggesting possible engagement—albeit cautious—may reflect internal debates over how to manage economic risks without appearing to back down under external pressure.
The Global Times, which is owned by the ruling Communist Party’s People’s Daily and often serves as a bellwether for future policy direction, has yet to weigh in on the latest overture from Washington.
Both governments face domestic political considerations. Trump has positioned his tariff policy as a defence of American manufacturing, appealing to his electoral base ahead of the 2026 midterms. For Xi, any concessions would need to be carefully framed within the context of national dignity and strategic autonomy.
In a speech on Wednesday, Xi called for Chinese officials to prepare for “changes in the international environment,” though he did not specifically mention the United States or the tariff issue.
Whether the emerging signs of engagement will translate into formal negotiations remains uncertain. Analysts note that previous trade talks have often stalled due to differing views on structural reform, technology transfers and enforcement mechanisms.
With global markets watching closely, the coming weeks may provide further clarity on whether this is the beginning of a recalibration or merely another episode in a protracted trade dispute.
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