Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has stated that recent successful trade negotiations between China and the United States demonstrate that a return to a tariff war is unnecessary, emphasizing the need for stable and sustainable economic ties. Wang highlighted that dialogues held in Geneva and London earlier in 2025 have proven effective in managing differences through consultation and high-level communication, allowing both nations to deepen consensus and reduce misunderstandings. He remarked, “Practice has proven that through dialogue and consultation, with leadership and communication at the highest levels, we can properly manage contradictions and resolve our differences.”
In his comments, Wang reiterated China’s position that it does not seek a trade war but is prepared to respond if necessary, noting, “China does not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one.” He urged the United States to act responsibly as a major power. He underscored the economic interdependence between the two countries, pointing out that many exchanged goods and services are irreplaceable in the short term. Additionally, Wang referenced recent developments, such as a 32% month-on-month increase in China’s rare earth exports in June and Nvidia’s resumption of H20 AI chip sales to China, as indicators that forced decoupling is impractical.
These statements come amid an August 12, 2025, deadline for finalizing a durable tariff agreement, following a preliminary deal last month to halt escalating tit-for-tat duties. Current U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods stand at 53.6%, with potential additional responsibilities that could exceed 35% and significantly affect Chinese manufacturers’ margins if no agreement is reached. This context builds on broader U.S.-China trade relations under the second Trump administration, including temporary tariff reductions agreed upon in May 2025 and ongoing discussions to address reciprocal tariffs.
As of July 18, 2025, no immediate official response from the United States to Wang’s latest remarks has been reported in available sources, though historical timelines indicate continued negotiations aimed at de-escalation
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