China has expressed its willingness to resume trade negotiations with the United States, provided that certain key preconditions are fulfilled. Among the primary demands is a call for greater diplomatic respect, a consistent US trade stance, attention to its concerns on sanctions and Taiwan, and the appointment of a lead negotiator with Trump’s full backing, Bloomberg reported citing a Chinese government source.
Trump administration has raised the tariffs to 245% on the Asian nation after Beijing decided to block new Boeing aircraft purchases by Chinese airlines.
“China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions,” the White House said.
Meanwhile, China has responded saying that it wasn’t “afraid to fight”, however, adding that if the US wanted to resolve the matter, it should talk “on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
“If the US really wants to resolve the issue… it should stop threatening and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
Here are China’s demands:
- A curb on disparaging remarks made by US cabinet members.
- A consistent US stance on trade matters.
- Address China’s concerns regarding American sanctions and US policy on Taiwan.
- Appoint a lead negotiator with clear backing from Trump—someone capable of crafting an agreement that could be formally signed by both Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping when they meet.
Did Vance’s ‘Chinese peasants’ offend nation?
Although no specific remarks by US officials were cited, Beijing has recently voiced strong dissatisfaction over comments made by Vice President JD Vance referring to “Chinese peasants.”
Vance made the comment during a Fox News interview while defending Trump’s tariff move. “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture,” he had said.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the remarks as “ignorant and impolite,” marking a rare public reprimand of a high-ranking US official. “It is surprising and sad to hear such ignorant and impolite words from this vice president,” he said.
A clear point person
China wants the States to appoint a clear point person to lead trade negotiations—someone who speaks with Trump’s full authority, according to the source.
While Chinese officials are open to whoever is chosen, they emphasize the importance of having a designated representative to ensure structured and effective discussions.
Although they recognize that Trump may wish to lead the talks himself, Chinese officials believe the most productive path forward would be for each side to assign trusted representatives.
The Taiwan condition
China is also urging the United States to take its national security concerns—especially regarding Taiwan—into account, the source said.
Beijing considers the self-ruled island part of its territory and has vowed to defend its claim, including through military means if required. While China does not intend to initiate any provocative moves on Taiwan, it has made clear it will respond if provoked.
