By Guan Xin
A Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson on Wednesday commented on an upcoming high-level economic and trade meeting with the United States by Vice Premier He Lifeng during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12.
Recently, the U.S. side has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue on tariffs and related issues through multiple channels. After a careful assessment of the U.S. messages, China has decided to engage with the U.S. side, taking into account global expectations, national interests, and calls from the American industry and consumers, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson noted that China's position has been consistent – if forced to fight, China will fight to the end, and for talks, the door is open. Any negotiations must be based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit. The spokesperson said the U.S. side must demonstrate sincerity, correct its wrong practices, and meet China halfway in a bid to resolve concerns of both sides through equal consultation.
The announcement of renewed dialogue between China and the United States has become a focal point in global discourse today. This development marks a positive signal after prolonged trade gridlock triggered by Washington’s unilateral imposition of tariffs, which has inflicted widespread losses, particularly on the U.S. itself.
As the world’s foremost advocate against trade wars, China has absorbed the brunt of Washington’s pressure, shielding other nations from collateral damage. Beijing’s resilience in the face of aggressive tariffs forced U.S. policymakers to pivot, signaling the possibility to adjust tariffs and repeatedly seeking communication with China through various channels. China’s consistent position—“if forced to fight, China will fight to the end, and for talks, the door is open”—underscores its refusal to yield to coercion. Only when the U.S. abandons its illusion of bullying China into submission will genuine negotiation become possible.
Beijing has not compromised its core principles but is using this opportunity to assess whether the U.S. intends to correct its past missteps. Notably, the Chinese commerce ministry framed the move as “engage” with the U.S., a deliberate lexical choice distinct from formal “negotiations”. This reflects Beijing’s cautious stance: reestablishing communication channels while scrutinizing Washington’s sincerity. China retains full control over whether to turn talks into formal negotiations or suspend engagement. This measured approach—neither a concession nor blind trust—demonstrates China’s strategic resolve.
Some observers question whether Washington’s overtures are a tactical delay or smokescreen. Such concerns are unnecessary. China has unequivocally stated it “will not seek to reach any agreement at the expense of sacrificing its principles or the cause of international fairness and justice.” Regardless of outcomes, this engagement will provide valuable insights and experience for future interactions. As history shows, the negotiating table itself is a critical arena of strategic competition. Even if Washington lacks sincerity in pursuing equitable dialogue, this engagement allows China to further expose U.S. intentions to the international community. As the Chinese commerce ministry emphasized, Beijing’s commitment to safeguarding its development interests and upholding global trade fairness remains unshakable.
The interplay between battlefield resolve and diplomatic acumen—evident during the Korean War era—remains relevant today. Just as China’s resilience on the battlefield once secured leverage at the negotiating table, a combination of strength in the economic "battlefield" and wisdom at the negotiation table is also required in the current economic and trade game between China and the United States.
In the face of the tariff war and trade war under the extreme pressure exerted by the United States, China's economy has demonstrated resilience and strength beyond imagination. Since 2018, China has advanced high-quality development, achieved breakthroughs in technological self-reliance, and fortified supply chain resilience. These achievements validate that unilateral U.S. tactics are futile against a nation steadfast in its development path.
Behind China's agreement to engage with the United States this time is China's confidence in firmly following its own path of development. No matter what moves the United States takes, China is able to respond with consistency to changes and do its own things well, laying a solid foundation for both engagement and rivalry.
The author is a columnist for “Guancha Fast Take” at Guancha.com. The views don't necessarily reflect those of BeijingReviewDossier.
