At a routine briefing on Tuesday, the Chinese mainland spokesperson Guo Jiakun took aim at the U.S. over ongoing tariff disputes, urging Washington to drop its threats and engage in genuine dialogue.
"If the U.S. wants to resolve the tariff-related issues through dialogue and negotiation, it should cease its threats and pressure," Guo said, directly responding to comments by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
On Monday, Bessent had asserted that "it's up to China to de-escalate, because they sell five times more to us than we sell to them."
Guo countered that the tariff war was initiated by the U.S., stressing that meaningful talks must rest on equality, respect and mutual benefits. Without that foundation, he warned, any negotiation risks faltering.
This exchange highlights the tension in one of the world’s largest trade relationships, where a 5:1 export gap underscores the stakes for industries on both sides.
As talks stall, entrepreneurs, tech innovators and global markets alike are watching closely. The call from the Chinese mainland comes at a moment when G20 nations are seeking new pathways for cooperation in an increasingly connected economy.
Whether Washington will pivot from pressure tactics to a more collaborative stance remains an open question, but the Chinese mainland's message is clear: dialogue without threats is the only path forward.
Reference(s):
Spokesperson: China urges U.S. to stop threats for tariff negotiations
cgtn.com
