President Trump has paused reciprocal tariffs for 90 days on most U.S. trade partners, reducing rates to 10%, while escalating tariffs on China to 125%—a move he claims pressures Beijing to negotiate . Despite China’s denial of ongoing talks, Trump asserted that discussions occurred, stating, “We’ve been meeting with China,” though Beijing insists the U.S. must first cancel “unilateral” tariffs . The pause follows market turbulence and criticism, including former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen calling the tariffs a “self-inflicted wound” . China’s Commerce Ministry reiterated demands for tariff rollbacks as a precondition for dialogue, highlighting the stalemate . Analysts warn the 145% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods—now the highest since the 1940s—risks severing bilateral trade . While Trump seeks concessions, China adopts a firmer stance, signaling prolonged economic tensions.