China called for all "unilateral" U.S. tariffs to be cancelled on Thursday, as signs emerged that the Trump administration may de-escalate its trade war with Beijing.
China also clarified it has not held trade talks with Washington despite repeated comments from the U.S. government suggesting there had been engagement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said that the U.S. will have a deal with China and on Wednesday said there was "direct contact" between both countries. Trump, who calls his tariffs "reciprocal", says the duties aim to correct unfair trade imbalances with the U.S.
The U.S. should remove all "unilateral tariff measures" against China "if it truly wanted" to solve the trade issue, Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong said on Thursday.

"The person who tied the bell must untie it," he said.