US must be ready to correct its mistakes, says Chinese foreign ministry

China will not make concessions on fundamental issues or sacrifice justice to strike a deal with the United States, China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said.

“If they say one thing and do another—hiding behind negotiations for pressure and blackmail—China will not agree to it and will not sacrifice its principles and justice for the sake of an agreement,” Yadong noted.

He added that the United States should recognize the serious negative impact of its tariff policies on itself and the world, and be ready to “correct its mistakes and cancel unilateral tariff increases.”

According to Yadong, China is ready to engage in dialogue on equal terms, but only if the U.S. is willing to take concrete steps, including the removal of unilateral tariffs.

On April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on goods imported from 185 countries and territories. On April 5, a 10% general tariff came into effect, followed by individual tariffs on April 9. Subsequently, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of additional reciprocal tariffs on certain countries and territories. The White House explained that this pause was related to trade negotiations. During this period, a 10% general tariff remains in effect.

At the same time, the Trump administration increased tariffs on Chinese goods up to 125%. The overall U.S. tariffs on goods imported from China currently reach 145%. In response to these actions, China raised tariffs on American goods to 125% starting April 12.

During the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro on April 29, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stressed that concessions to the U.S. in the trade war would only lead Washington to continue making new demands.

From May 9 to May 12, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Switzerland for trade discussions with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.