China signaled the nation is “assessing” potential trade talks with the U.S. amid the Trump administration’s trade war but urged Washington to show “sincerity” to establish trust.

“As the US has recently reached out through relevant channels multiple times, expressing a desire to engage in talks with China over tariff issues, China is currently assessing the situation,” a Commerce Ministry spokesperson said in a statement, shared on social platform X by the Chinese Embassy.

“In any potential dialogue or talks, if the US does not rectify its erroneous unilateral tariff measures, it would demonstrate a complete lack of sincerity and further undermine mutual trust,” the ministry added. “Saying one thing while doing another, or even attempting to use talks as a cover for coercion and blackmail, will not work with China.”