ROME: Confusion over the status of trade negotiations between the United States and China deepened on Friday, as US President Donald Trump claimed talks were ongoing—an assertion promptly denied by Beijing.
In an interview with TIME magazine, Trump stated that tariff discussions with China were underway and claimed Chinese President Xi Jinping had contacted him. He reiterated this to reporters before departing the White House for Rome to attend Pope Francis’s funeral.
However, China firmly rejected these claims. A statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, shared by the Chinese embassy in Washington, said, “China and the US are NOT having any consultation or negotiation on #tariffs.” The statement went on to urge the US to “stop creating confusion.”
Later, speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump suggested that compelling China to open its markets to American goods would be a victory, adding, “Free up China. You know, let us go in and work China… That would be great. That would be a big win, but I’m not even sure I’m going to ask for it because they don’t want it open.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at a regional forum in Kazakhstan on Saturday, criticized the US’s unilateral approach, saying Beijing respects international norms and stands in solidarity with other nations. “Certain countries prioritize their own interests, use coercion and pressure, and provoke trade wars without justification—showcasing their extreme self-interest,” Wang said.
Mounting Uncertainty
These mixed signals have further clouded the global outlook, especially as Trump’s unpredictable tariff policies continue to cause concern not only about China, but also among several countries seeking exemptions or new trade deals to mitigate the impact of sweeping US import taxes.
Trump’s trade team held a flurry of meetings with international delegates in Washington during the spring gatherings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. While officials like Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pointed to signs of rapid progress, foreign counterparts remained cautious.
Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe summed up the mood: “I’m walking away from these meetings with a clear sense of everything that is at stake—the risks to jobs, growth, and living standards around the world.” He emphasized the need to reduce uncertainty over the coming weeks and months.
Signs of a Thaw?
Amid the uncertainty, there were slight indications of easing tensions. China reportedly exempted some US goods from its latest wave of steep tariffs. Business groups noted that Beijing allowed certain US-made pharmaceuticals to bypass the 125% import duties it imposed earlier this month, in retaliation for Trump’s 145% tariffs on Chinese products.
Still, with the potential for even harsher tariffs looming in early July, the lack of clear communication between the two economic superpowers continues to fuel global anxiety.
