China ready to negotiate with US government officials to handle the trade differences

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, He Yadong, explained in response during a press conference on Thursday that the country was ready to negotiate with the US government to maintain a healthy and sustainable economic relationship. Yadong suggested that the negotiations would be based on the countries’ mutual respect and peaceful relationships, creating a win-win situation for China and the U.S. 

China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson added that the tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump would be detrimental to China and the US. Yadong expressed his thoughts after a question concerning the 10% tariff hike on China’s imports to the US by President Trump after the January 20 inauguration ceremony. Trump hinted at the increased tariffs on Chinese imports as soon as February 1. 

The proposed tariffs would also impose a 100% tariff on Chinese electric car imports. Trump further threatened a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminium imports. The tariffs will also affect some of the goods that were previously exempt from tariffs, including consumer electronics. 

Trump has also threatened to increase tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports into the US to 25% starting February 1. A CNN report suggested that the shift in trade policy changes in North America would become costly for US consumers. President Trump also hinted at discussions concerning the free trade agreement between the US and Mexico and how it affects US businesses and workers. 

China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson airs similar thoughts

The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning shared thoughts similar to those of the Commerce Ministry spokesperson. Ning spoke during a press conference on January 20, reiterating the need for cooperation for the benefit of both countries. The spokesperson also commented that any confrontation between China and the US would hurt the countries. 

Mao Ning later spoke during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, insisting on the need for economic globalization. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson further suggested true global multilateralism, strengthening the global economy, and finding new drivers to achieve the goals. 

China’s Vice Premier, Ding Xuexiang, also spoke during the WEF Davos event, saying that no country would benefit from trade wars. Xuexiang mentioned that finding universal solutions to suit everyone would be a better option. The Vice Premier advised the global economic community to handle development challenges, promote cooperation, and initiate more inclusive and sustainable options to fuel global economic growth.  

Xuexiang further discussed China’s economic struggles over the past few months. The Vice Premier commented that the country was trying to diversify its economic drivers. China has been initiating several steps to drive more economic growth. The Chinese government recently promised to change its monetary policies to drive economic consumption. 

The People’s Bank of China also halted its government bond purchases as their supply could not sustain the demand. The Chinese central bank initiated the purchases to keep the yuan afloat. A recent report suggested that the PBOC’s efforts were in preparation for the possible Trump tariffs. 

Trump and President Xi discuss TikTok and trade

TRUMP: I JUST SPOKE TO CHAIRMAN XI JINPING OF CHINA

TRUMP: CALL WAS A VERY GOOD ONE FOR BOTH CHINA AND THE US

TRUMP: WE DISCUSSED BALANCING TRADE, FENTANYL, TIKTOK

— *Walter Bloomberg (@DeItaone) January 17, 2025

Trump revealed on Truth Social his discussion with China’s President Xi Jinping on fentanyl, TikTok, and trade. The US president also suggested that the discussion had been beneficial to China. He further mentioned that he would partner with China to ensure a ‘more peaceful and safe’ world. 

The Chinese President’s envoy to President Trump’s inauguration, Han Zheng, also met with different parties in Trump’s administration regarding regional stability, fentanyl, and trade. Zheng insisted on extensive cooperation to maintain the countries’ shared interests. 

Zheng also commented on TikTok’s role in creating employment opportunities for US citizens. The envoy hoped President Trump would listen to reason and create a comfortable environment for all countries doing business with the US.

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