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US quietly reaches out to China over trade deal: Chinese media

Stacked shipping containers at a port in China File photo shows containers waiting to be transported at Guoyuan Port in Chongqing, China on Jan. 11, 2025. (AFP Photo)
By Agence France-Presse
May 1, 2025 9:40 AM

U.S. officials have reached out to their Chinese counterparts to initiate talks on sweeping tariffs that have unsettled global trade, while President Donald Trump claims Beijing is seeking a deal, according to a Chinese state-linked media outlet on Thursday.

The report by Yuyuan Tantian, a platform affiliated with China’s state broadcaster CCTV, cited unnamed sources saying Washington was “proactively” reaching out through “multiple channels” to engage Beijing on the issue.

The outreach comes after the United States imposed punitive tariffs of up to 145% on a wide range of Chinese imports in April. In response, China slapped retaliatory tariffs of up to 125% on American goods.

Cargo ship loaded with colorful shipping containers at port
A general view of the Port Container Terminal in New Jersey, United States, April 08, 2025. (AA Photo)

“From a negotiation standpoint, the U.S. is currently the more anxious party,” the outlet said on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, adding that the Trump administration is under mounting pressure.

Trump says China wants a deal, Beijing says no talks yet

Trump has repeatedly claimed that China is seeking talks. Speaking at a NewsNation town hall on Wednesday, he reiterated that “there’s a very good chance we’re going to make a deal,” but stressed that any agreement must be “on our terms” and “fair.”

US President Donald Trump speaks at the White House
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, D.C, on April 30, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Despite Trump’s remarks, Beijing has consistently denied that formal negotiations are taking place. Chinese officials have instead urged Washington to engage in dialogue that is “fair, respectful, and reciprocal.”

China has signaled it is prepared to endure a prolonged trade conflict if necessary. A video posted this week by the Chinese Foreign Ministry vowed to “never kneel down,” reinforcing the country’s tough posture.

With bilateral trade totaling over $582 billion in 2024 and a U.S. trade deficit with China of $295 billion, the long-standing imbalance remains a core source of tension between the world’s two largest economies.

Last Updated:  May 1, 2025 9:40 AM