(Beijing) Unlike Donald Trump’s claims, it is Washington, and not Beijing, who is “pressed” to negotiate on customs duties, the American administration having “taken the initiative” of many bilateral contacts, assures Thursday a Chinese media.
Posted yesterday at 11:00 p.m.
The first two global economic powers have been engaged in a trade war for several weeks, triggered by the American president.
Donald Trump imposed customs duties of 145 % on the majority of Chinese products entering US territory. The Asian giant retaliated by setting up its own customs from 125 % customs on American products.
“For a while, the United States has, by various channels, have taken the initiative to contact China, hoping to start negotiations on the issue of customs duties,” said Yuyuan Tantian, a social network affiliated on CCTV state television and which quotes sources close to the file.
In terms of negotiations, the United States is undoubtedly the most pressed part. Because the Trump administration currently faces multiple pressures. Economic pressure, but also the pressure of public opinion.
Yuyuan Tantian, a social network affiliated on CCTV state television
The American president has hinted several times that China had contacted the United States to conduct discussions on customs duties. Affirmations firmly denied by Beijing.
“In the absence of concrete actions on the part of the United States, China has no reason to initiate discussions with the American part,” said Yuyuan Tantian.
China says it is regularly open to a dialogue with the United States on trade, but on the basis of “mutual respect” and not under the “threat” of customs duties.
Solicited by AFP in order to confirm the claims of Yuyuan Tantian, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond immediately.
Beijing regularly promises to conduct the trade war “Until the end” if Washington continues its customs measures.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has also published this week a video promising that the country “will not kneel”.
