AsianFin -- China insisted on Thursday that there are no current discussions with the U.S. regarding tariffs, despite hints from the White House earlier in the week that it might ease some of the trade tensions.

“At present, there are absolutely no negotiations on the economy and trade between China and the U.S.,” Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong told reporters in Mandarin, as translated by CNBC. He urged dismissing any claims of progress in bilateral talks.

“If the U.S. truly wants to resolve the issue, it should cancel all unilateral measures imposed on China,” He added.

Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that tensions with China could be easing. However, just this month, the White House raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145%, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own duties and stricter restrictions on U.S. exports of critical minerals.

Beijing’s latest statement underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade relations between the two nations, despite mixed signals from U.S. officials.