US officials have contacted their Chinese colleagues to discuss massive tariffs that have wreaked havoc on markets and global supply chains, according to a Beijing-backed outlet.
Punishing US tariffs of up to 145% on many Chinese items went into effect in April, prompting Beijing to impose further 125% taxes on US imports.
On Thursday, Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese site affiliated with official broadcaster CCTV, said, citing sources, that Washington was “proactively” contacting China through “multiple channels” to discuss tariffs.
“From a negotiation standpoint, the US is currently the more anxious party,” the outlet, which blends analysis with news reporting, said on the X-like platform Weibo.
“The Trump administration is facing multiple pressures,” it added.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that China has reached out for talks on the tariffs.
And on Wednesday, Trump reiterated there was a “very good chance we’re going to make a deal”.
“But we’re going to make it on our terms, and it’s got to be fair,” he told a NewsNation “town hall”.
Beijing has vehemently denied that any talks are taking place while repeatedly urging the United States to engage in dialogue in a “fair, respectful and reciprocal” manner.
But it has also said it will fight a trade war to the bitter end if needed, with a video posted on social media this week by its foreign ministry vowing to “never kneel down!”
