Beijing, April 23, 2025 — China on Wednesday signaled its readiness to resume trade negotiations with the United States, a day after President Donald Trump suggested that the steep tariffs imposed on Chinese imports could be reduced if a deal is reached.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that while Beijing remains open to dialogue, it will not shy away from defending its interests if necessary.
“We do not wish to fight, nor are we afraid of fighting,” Guo stated. “If necessary, we will fight to the end.”
The remarks follow President Trump’s comments on Tuesday acknowledging that current US tariffs on Chinese goods are “very high,” but promised that they would “come down substantially” once an agreement is secured.
Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has escalated trade tensions with China, imposing a series of tariffs that have seen duties on some Chinese products soar as high as 145 percent. The ongoing tit-for-tat measures between the world’s two largest economies have roiled global markets and sparked concerns of a broader economic slowdown.
Guo reiterated China’s longstanding position that “tariffs and trade wars have no winners,” while cautioning against what he described as mixed signals from Washington.
“Saying on the one hand that they want to reach an agreement with China, while on the other hand continuing to exert extreme pressure is not the correct way to have dealings with China,” he warned.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Guo emphasized that the “door for talks is wide open,” leaving room for renewed engagement between the two sides.
