BEIJING has rejected reports from the United States side that Beijing and Washington are in negotiations on the tariff issue, and will even reach a deal, describing them as “fake news.”

China Daily reported that China’s Foreign Ministry made the denial this week during a news conference, and further reiterated that any dialogue and negotiations on the issue must be based on “equality, respect and mutual benefit.”

A spokesman for the ministry, Guo Jiakin said the reports from the US side claiming that Beijing and Washington are in negotiations and will even reach a deal is “fake news.”

“As far as I know, China and the US have not held consultations or negotiations on the tariff issue, let alone reached any agreement.”

The tariff was initiated by the US, and China’s position has been consistent and clear: If it it’s a fight, we’ll fight till the end. If it’s to talk, our door is wide open,” Guo emphasised.

By DELI-SHARON OSO
In Beijing, China