China: No Tariff Negotiations 04/24 05:30

   China on Thursday denied U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the 
two sides were involved in active negotiations over tariffs, saying that any 
suggestion of progress in this matter was as groundless as "trying to catch the 
wind."

   BANGKOK (AP) -- China on Thursday denied U.S. President Donald Trump's 
assertion that the two sides were involved in active negotiations over tariffs, 
saying that any suggestion of progress in this matter was as groundless as 
"trying to catch the wind."

   China's comments come after Trump said Tuesday that the final tariff rate on 
China's exports would come down "substantially" from the current 145%.

   "China's position is consistent and we are open to consultations and 
dialogues, but any form of consultations and negotiations must be conducted on 
the basis of mutual respect and in an equal manner," said Ministry of Commerce 
spokesman He Yadong. "Any claims about the progress of China-U.S. trade 
negotiations are groundless as trying to catch the wind and have no factual 
basis."

   Trump had told reporters earlier in the week that "everything's active" when 
asked if he was engaging with China, although his Treasury Secretary had said 
there were no formal negotiations.

   Trump had put 145% tariffs on imports from China, while China hit back with 
125% tariffs on U.S. products. While Trump has given other countries a 90-day 
pause on the tariffs, as their leaders pledged to negotiate with the U.S., 
China remained the exception. Instead, Beijing raised its own tariffs and 
deployed other economic measures in response while vowing to "fight to the 
end." For example, China restricted exports of rare earth minerals and raised 
multiple cases against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization.

   China also made it clear that talks should involve the cancellation of all 
tariffs it currently faces.

   "The unilateral tariff increase measures were initiated by the United 
States. If the United States really wants to solve the problem, it should face 
up to the rational voices of the international community and all parties at 
home, completely cancel all unilateral tariff measures against China, and find 
ways to resolve differences through equal dialogue," said He, the spokesman.

   Despite the economic measures leveled against China, Trump said Tuesday that 
he would be "very nice" and not play hardball with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

   "We're going to live together very happily and ideally work together," Trump 
said.