China assessing US proposals to begin trade talks

China says it is “currently assessing” proposals by the United States to begin trade talks, in a subtle tone shift that could open the door for negotiations, CNN writes, referring to a spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry.

“The U.S. has recently sent multiple messages to China through relevant parties, hoping to start talks with China. China is currently evaluating this,” the official noted.

As the newspaper notes, the comments signal a softening in Beijing’s position, which has been steadfastly defiant amid heightened tensions with the U.S. because of President Donald Trump’s tariff war.

Trump has been repeatedly saying since last week that his administration was in talks with Chinese officials to strike a trade deal — only to be met with flat denials from Beijing each time.

On Friday, Beijing reiterated that any negotiations would require some preconditions to be met.

“The tariff and trade war was unilaterally initiated by the US, and if it wants to negotiate, it must demonstrate genuine sincerity — that includes being prepared to correct its wrongdoings and cancel its unilateral tariff hikes,” the spokesperson said. “China’s position remains consistent: If it’s a fight, we will see it through to the end. If it’s talk, the door is open.”