China stated on Friday that it is currently evaluating an offer from the United States for negotiations regarding tariffs. However, Beijing insisted that Washington must demonstrate sincerity by being prepared to eliminate the levies that have significantly disrupted global markets and supply chains before any meaningful discussions can commence.

The punitive US tariffs, which have reached as high as 145 percent on numerous Chinese products, were implemented in April. In response, Beijing has imposed its own fresh duties of 125 percent on imports originating from the United States. Notably, high-end technology goods, including smartphones, semiconductors, and computers, have been temporarily exempted from the US tariffs.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that China has initiated contact to discuss the tariffs. This week, he expressed his belief that there is a “very good chance we’re going to make a deal.”

Responding to these claims, China’s commerce ministry confirmed on Friday that it was the US that had reached out with the offer and that Beijing is “currently evaluating” it.

However, the ministry emphasized that any potential talks would necessitate prior concessions from the US side.

“If the US wants to talk, it should show its sincerity to do so, be prepared to correct its wrong practices and cancel unilateral tariffs,” the commerce ministry stated.

The ministry further added, “In any possible dialogue or talks, if the US side does not correct its wrong unilateral tariff measures, it just means the US side is completely insincere and will further damage the mutual trust between the two sides.”

“Saying one thing and doing another, or even attempting coercion and blackmail under the guise of talks, will not work,” the commerce ministry asserted.

Wu Xinbo, the director of the Centre for American Studies at Shanghai’s Fudan University, suggested that Beijing is likely to adopt a firm stance in any potential negotiations.

“Of course, the US hopes to start negotiations as soon as possible, but our attitude is: ‘you must first take some action to show sincerity’,” Wu told AFP.

He further explained that once the US revokes the tariffs imposed on China, then Beijing would be willing to discuss its “legitimate concerns,” which include Washington’s worries about the imbalance in bilateral trade and China’s grievances over US efforts to “suppress” its technological advancement.

Dozens of other countries are facing a 90-day deadline, set to expire in July, to reach an agreement with Washington in order to avoid higher, country-specific tariff rates.

In contrast, Beijing has reiterated its commitment to fighting a trade war “to the bitter end” if necessary. This week, the foreign ministry even posted a video on social media vowing that China will “never kneel down!”

“China’s position has always been perfectly consistent,” the commerce ministry concluded on Friday.