Unlike Donald Trump’s claims, it is Washington, and not Beijing, who would be “pressed” to negotiate on customs duties, the American administration having “taken the initiative” of many bilateral contacts, assures this Thursday 1is May an official Chinese media, Yuyuan Tantian, who quotes sources close to the file. According to him, “the United States has, by various channels, took the initiative to contact China, hoping to start negotiations on the issue of customs duties”.
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.
Towards an agreement?
“The Trump administration is currently facing multiple pressures. Economic pressure, but also the pressure of public opinion, ”argues Yuyuan Tantian. “In the absence of concrete actions on the part of the United States, China has no reason to initiate discussions with the American party. »»
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.
Donald Trump once again said on Wednesday that there is a “chances” that Beijing and Washington come to an agreement. “But it will be on our conditions, and he will have to be fair,” he told the American television channel Newsnation.
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.
