The Chinese government has firmly denied recent speculation that high-level trade negotiations are underway with the United States, calling the claims “unfounded” and lacking any “factual basis.”
Reports suggesting a revival of formal trade talks between the two global economic powers circulated earlier this week, prompting questions about the current status of U.S.-China economic relations. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce dismissed the rumors, stating unequivocally that “no such discussions are currently taking place.”
“There is no factual basis for the information being spread regarding any official trade dialogue with the United States,” a spokesperson for the ministry said during a press briefing in Beijing. “We urge media outlets and relevant individuals to refrain from spreading unverified information that could mislead the public and distort international perceptions.”
The denial comes amid ongoing global scrutiny of U.S.-China relations, particularly as both nations continue to navigate complex economic dynamics involving tariffs, technological competition, and geopolitical influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
While some analysts had interpreted the rumors as a potential sign of thawing tensions, today’s statement suggests that the status quo remains unchanged. Trade relations between the two nations have been strained in recent years, following a series of tariff escalations, export controls, and a broader decoupling of supply chains in strategic sectors such as semiconductors and electric vehicles.
In Washington, the U.S. Trade Representative’s office has yet to comment on the reports or Beijing’s denial. Nonetheless, American officials have recently reiterated their commitment to “strategic competition” with China while emphasizing the importance of “responsible economic engagement.”
As speculation dies down, the future of U.S.-China trade relations remains uncertain, with both sides appearing cautious about public overtures or policy shifts without substantive groundwork.
source: scmp.com