Washington, April 25, 2025 – President Donald Trump asserted that the United States and China had engaged in trade talks, contrary to Beijing's strong denial of any such talks. The conflicting statements came as global markets showed signs of recovery, regaining most of April's losses. This is the latest in the china latest news today on the ongoing trade negotiations.
Trump's Assertion of Trade Talks
Speaking to the White House during a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Thursday, Trump informed reporters that US and Chinese officials had spoken earlier that morning. He did not identify the Chinese official involved, saying cryptically, "It doesn't matter who 'they' is. We may reveal it later, but they had meetings this morning, and we've been meeting with China." This generated interest as china latest news today is often filled with tensions and trade negotiations between the two nations.
Beijing Denies Trade Talks
However, just before Trump's remarks, China's Ministry of Commerce spokesman, He Yadong, denied the claim. As far as he was concerned, there were no trade negotiations underway with the United States, saying reports of progress were "purely speculative and without factual basis." This response has been at the forefront of china latest news today as Beijing continues to deny trade negotiations amidst global speculations.
Trump's Tariff Reduction Proposal
This tit-for-tat follows Trump's earlier statement on Tuesday, where he stated that he would lower tariffs on Chinese goods, but made it explicit they would not fall to zero. The US has 145% import tariffs on Chinese goods at present, with China retaliating with 125% tariffs on US goods. Beijing has also activated non-tariff barriers, such as the suspension of purchases of Boeing aircraft and the reduction of rare earth exports to the US. The china latest news today is that these tariffs remain a sticking point, with both sides treading carefully.
Possible Reductions in Tariffs Discussed
The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the Trump administration was contemplating slashing tariffs on Chinese goods by 50% to 65%, causing a stir in the china latest news today circle. The reduction would be a drastic turn in US-China trade policy if approved, but skepticism regarding long-term relations and economic impact remains.
Beijing's Call for Dialogue
Responding to Trump's statement on tariff removal, He Yadong once again made it clear that if the US was genuinely keen on resolving the conflict, it needs to remove all unilateral tariffs on China and find solutions through equal talks. The statement gave further ammunition to the china latest news today, once again highlighting Beijing's stand on the resolution of the trade issue.
Trump's Criticism of China on Fentanyl Crisis
Later on Thursday, Trump utilized Truth Social to urge Boeing to make China pay for not purchasing planes it had committed to buying, in addition to blaming China for the fentanyl crisis. He demanded an immediate end to fentanyl smuggling from China through Mexico and Canada, for which he had imposed tariffs on the two countries earlier this year. This aspect of china latest news today highlights the broader scope of US-China relations, which transcends trade.
Market Reactions and Global Stock Surge
Despite the confusion on trade talks, Trump's less aggressive approach towards China and his more dovish tone towards Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell sparked a rally in global stocks. The S&P 500 rose by 2% on Thursday, reaching the highest point since early April, when Trump had announced mutual tariffs. The rally in equities is part of the ongoing recovery from the past downturn in markets.
European and Asian Markets Show Strength
In Europe, the Euro Stoxx 600 and Germany's DAX were steadfast, with the DAX poised for a two-week winning streak and just 6% below its record peak in March. This economic recovery follows the latest developments unfolding china today news, where market reactions are being explicitly attributed to trade developments.
Asian markets also surged, with Japan's Nikkei 225 climbing over 2%, and South Korea's Kospi adding over 1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index recovered 1.5%, nearly recouping earlier April losses. The People's Bank of China reassured investors by maintaining monetary policy accommodation to support growth amid ongoing trade uncertainty. This has been a key element of china latest news today, as investors monitor China's economic response.
Economic Outlook as Trade Tensions Persist
The mixed signals from both the US and China underscore the ongoing volatility in trade relations, but market optimism is apparently increasing as signs of de-escalation emerge. Investors are anticipating a potential easing of tensions, as reflected in the rebound of major stock indices globally. This sentiment shift is reflected in china latest news today, with analysts waiting to observe whether there will be further announcements from Washington or Beijing.
Conclusion: The Ongoing US-China Trade Saga
In conclusion, even as the trade negotiations continue to be dogged by conflicting statements, the china latest news today continues to suggest cautious optimism on the part of investors and markets overall that a breakthrough is near in de-escalating present tensions. The US-China relationship is one of the most significant determinants of the world economic order, and its trajectory in the future will certainly continue to make headlines in china latest news today.