China Sets Conditions Before Resuming Trade Talks With Trump Administration

|By Adejumo Adekunle-

-Beijing Issues Demands as Prerequisite for Trade Talks
– Says US Must Show Respect, Address Sanctions and Taiwan Issues

China has outlined a set of firm conditions the United States must meet before any meaningful trade talks can resume, as tensions escalate in the ongoing economic war between the two global powers.

According to a Bloomberg report published Wednesday, Beijing is open to negotiations, but only if the Trump administration reins in hostile rhetoric, appoints a credible negotiator, and demonstrates readiness to address China’s core concerns — including sanctions and the status of Taiwan.

Officials say the Chinese government is particularly displeased with disparaging remarks made by members of President Donald Trump’s cabinet and views them as a sign of disrespect.

“For talks to progress, there must be mutual respect,” the report quoted sources close to the matter.

Beijing also demands that the US establish a more consistent trade position, warning that mixed signals from Washington have previously stalled progress. Additionally, China wants a designated envoy for negotiations — someone with full backing from President Trump — to streamline discussions and pave the way for a formal agreement between Trump and President Xi Jinping when they meet.

This development comes amid a deepening trade war between both nations. Since taking office, Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on most Chinese goods. China swiftly responded by raising tariffs on US imports from 84% to 125%.

The rising economic friction has rattled global markets and drawn concern from international observers.

Chinese Trade Minister, Wang Wentao, recently warned that the continued escalation of tariffs by the US risks triggering a “humanitarian crisis,” particularly in vulnerable economies that depend heavily on global trade systems.

He added that the trade war’s ripple effects could further hurt developing nations already battling inflation and weak growth.

With global stakes rising, all eyes are now on Washington’s next move — and whether the Trump administration is willing to meet China at the table under Beijing’s terms.