Are the U.S. and China Seriously Engaging in Trade Negotiations? ...Tense Standoff

# Tensions Escalate Amid Ongoing U.S.-China Trade Disputes **WASHINGTON—** “The White House manages many tasks, but phone calls aren't part of my duties.” This remark by U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin was his reply to persistent questions from reporters about whether President Donald Trump had communicated with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The **New York Times** reported on September 2 (local time) that doubts are growing about whether the U.S. and China are seriously engaged in tariff negotiations. While President Trump has repeatedly asserted that he has conversed with Xi, Beijing has publicly denied these claims. Last Friday, China signaled for the first time that it was open to "dialogue," but it remains uncertain if this pertains to serious tariff negotiations or mere diplomatic talks. In early August, President Trump announced “reciprocal” tariffs, imposing high import duties on goods from multiple countries. China quickly retaliated with measures like restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, counter-tariffs on U.S. goods, and refusing to engage in tariff discussions. In response to escalating trade tensions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) downgraded its global economic growth forecast. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern warning, stating that “no tariff negotiations have taken place” with the U.S. and cautioning Washington against misleading its citizens. Despite this, subtle signs have emerged, with China’s Ministry of Commerce hinting at a potential resumption of dialogue. # Conflicting Negotiation Tactics Hinder Progress President Trump has stressed his intention to manage negotiations with China independently from other trade partnerships. Nevertheless, Beijing remains doubtful of U.S. intentions, pointing to the absence of an official U.S. negotiation representative as a sign of insufficient commitment. Although Treasury Secretary Mnuchin acknowledged informal talks with Chinese officials during IMF and World Bank meetings, he clarified that tariffs were not discussed. Structural differences in negotiation styles also pose significant obstacles. Trump favors direct discussions with Xi, whereas Beijing prefers a more systematic approach involving lower-level channels. Craig Allen, an expert at the Asia Society, commented, “Trump’s preferred method is fundamentally incompatible with China’s hierarchical negotiation system.” # Both Nations Brace for Prolonged Standstill Experts suggest both countries are preparing for drawn-out conflicts, focusing on strengthening their domestic positions rather than rushing to negotiate. While Washington seems eager for immediate breakthroughs, Beijing appears willing to wait, considering public opinion and safeguarding national pride. Former Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross mentioned, “It is time for the U.S. to show goodwill, either by appointing a formal negotiating representative or making a symbolic gesture towards resolution.” Former China advisor Michael Pillsbury provided another view, noting, “China appears to be waiting to see the outcomes of U.S. negotiations with other countries before deciding on its next steps.” # Expanding Global Impact As the trade war intensifies, its consequences reach beyond the U.S. and Chinese economies, threatening global economic stability. Market attention is now focused on when—or if—the two nations will meet for negotiations and whether they can agree on the basis for future talks. The world watches closely as the stakes rise for the global economy, anticipating signs of resolution amidst the growing uncertainty.