Trump Optimistic on U.S.-China Negotiations... China Says "Door to Dialogue Wide Open"

"If We Must Fight, We Will Fight to the End... Our Position Is Clear"

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's optimistic remarks regarding the U.S.-China tariff negotiations, China has stated that "the door to dialogue is wide open."

At a regular briefing on April 23, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Zhaokun addressed questions about President Trump's comments on negotiations with China, stating, "China's position on the tariff war initiated by the United States is very clear."

Guo Zhaokun, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is speaking at a regular briefing held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Beijing, China, on January 6. Photo by Yonhap News

Spokesperson Guo emphasized, "We do not wish to fight, nor are we afraid to fight," adding, "If we must fight, we will fight to the end (fengpei dao di)."

He stated that if the United States truly wishes to resolve issues through dialogue and negotiation, it must stop threats and intimidation, and engage in talks with China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.

Previously, on April 22 local time, President Trump mentioned several times that he has a good relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also assessed that negotiations with China are "going well."

Regarding the additional tariffs on China, which reach as high as 145%, he acknowledged that they are "very high." However, he added that if negotiations take place, "they will not remain that high and will come down significantly."

However, he also drew a line, stating that "it will not be zero (0%)."

On February 5, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also emphasized 'dialogue' in response to the United States' imposition of tariffs and China's retaliatory tariffs. At a regular briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "What is needed now is not unilateral tariff increases, but dialogue and negotiations based on equality and mutual respect."

At that time, Chinese state-run media also focused on the theme of 'dialogue.' On social networking services operated by CCTV, a post stated, "China's position is that if the United States wants to fight, we will stand together until the end," and added, "Of course, if there is a desire for dialogue, China's door is wide open."

In an editorial, the state-run English-language newspaper China Daily wrote, "China firmly opposes the U.S.'s regressive and shortsighted approach to trade relations." However, the paper noted, "Given that there are about six days before China's newly announced countermeasures take effect, there is still time for both countries to negotiate a way to avoid the reckless escalation of the trade war."