China has sharply escalated its rhetoric in the ongoing trade war with the United States, calling on Washington to lift sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods if President Donald Trump is genuinely committed to resolving the economic standoff.
In one of its most direct demands yet, China’s Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong stated that the US must remove all “unilateral tariff measures” as a precondition for any meaningful resolution. “The person who tied the bell must untie it,” He remarked, underscoring that the US initiated the tariff tensions and must take the first step to end them.
Despite claims from President Trump that trade negotiations are “active,” both Chinese and American officials have contradicted that assertion. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said no trade talks or agreements on tariffs have taken place, branding media reports to the contrary as “false.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed that sentiment, confirming that discussions have not begun but suggested a “big deal” may still be possible.
Meanwhile, tensions worsened after China returned Boeing aircraft it had ordered from the US, citing the current tariff standoff. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed the return of two aircraft, with another expected soon. Trump reacted strongly, urging Boeing to default China on the contracts and accusing Beijing of long-term unfair practices against the US.
The Chinese government also hosted over 80 foreign companies in Beijing to discuss the impact of US tariffs on their business. Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji urged firms to “turn crises into opportunities,” even as global concerns grow over the lack of progress in easing trade hostilities between the world’s two largest economies.
