### **U.S. and China Clash Over Trade Talks: Conflicting Claims and Rising Tensions**
The U.S. and China are locked in a public dispute over whether trade negotiations have even begun, as tensions escalate following recent tariff hikes. President Donald Trump claimed the two nations are “actively” discussing trade, but China’s Foreign Ministry dismissed his statement as “fake news,” insisting no talks have taken place. The conflicting narratives highlight the deepening rift between the world’s two largest economies, with Trump imposing a 145% tariff on Chinese goods and China retaliating with 125% tariffs on U.S. imports. Experts warn the standoff resembles a high-stakes “game of chicken,” with neither side willing to back down.
### **Mixed Signals from the Trump Administration**
The Trump administration has sent mixed messages on trade policy, with Trump suggesting tariffs could “come down substantially” while White House officials ruled out any “unilateral reduction.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted at a potential “big deal” with China but criticized its trade practices, calling for mutual rebalancing. However, Trump later escalated tensions by urging Boeing to “default China” after Beijing blocked deliveries of U.S.-made aircraft. The back-and-forth reflects internal divisions and market pressures, as economists warn of recession risks due to the trade war’s economic fallout.
### **China’s Firm Stance and Countermeasures**
China has denied engaging in trade talks, with its Foreign Ministry and Commerce Ministry demanding the U.S. first roll back tariffs before negotiations can begin. Beijing has also imposed export controls on rare earth materials critical to U.S. industries, signaling its willingness to leverage economic pressure. Analysts suggest China believes it holds the upper hand, as Trump’s recent tariff exemptions and hints at de-escalation indicate U.S. vulnerability. With both sides digging in, the stalemate threatens prolonged economic disruption, leaving businesses and investors bracing for further volatility.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://abcnews.go.com/Business/us-china-clash-status-trade-talks/story?id=121118799.