A former senior Chinese official has said Beijing will not enter into serious discussions with Washington unless the US shows mutual respect. The comment comes amidst fresh tensions on trade and rising tariffs between the world’s two biggest economies.
The ex-official stressed that any future talks on tariffs should be based on the principles of peaceful co-existence, equality, and sincerity. “Respect is not optional—it’s the cornerstone of diplomatic conversation,” he explained in a televised interview.
This follows the US imposing wide-ranging tariff hikes, with China returning in kind. Experts opine that the tough words might further delay any movement towards de-escalation, especially as the two nations amp up nationalist appeals.
Though the official is no longer in office, his remarks are indicative of Beijing’s wider mood and highlight increasing divergence. Warning that unless the two sides rein in aggressive rhetoric, prospects for positive economic diplomacy are limited.
