Hints emerge in Chinese media that Beijing open to US tariff talks
The message was delivered in a post from Yuyuantantian, a social media account affiliated with state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) and which is seen as reflecting government's stance on trade and economic issues.
The post said that the US has reached out to China "through a variety of channels" in a bid to initiate discussions on tariffs, but that there "is no need for China to talk to the US before the US takes any substantive action."
The state of trade negotiations, including whether any consultations are under way at all, has been a matter of debate in recent days.
US President Donald Trump told Time magazine that talks were taking place, and that Chinese President Xi Jinping had called him. China's Foreign Ministry fired back, adamently denying any discussions between the the two leaders or their top aides.
Tensions sharply escalated in early April, when the US imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports. Beijing retaliated with levies of up to 125% on US goods. Both sides, however, have issued temporary exemptions for specific items seen as critical - such as certain electronics - in order to mitigate the economic fallout.
The Yuyuantantian post went so far as to suggest that opening a dialogue with the Trump administration could serve China's interests.
"If the US wants to engage with China, it will not be bad for China at this stage," it read, adding: "China needs to observe and even force out the US's true intentions."
It added that the first country to reach a deal with the US could become a reference point for others navigating Washington's evolving tariff regime.
Separately, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, citing informed sources, reported on Thursday that Beijing is holding off on serious negotiations until it becomes clear who will lead the talks on the US.
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