China's Foreign Ministry denied on Thursday any consultation or negotiation on tariffs between China and the U.S., reiterating that dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.

"For all I know, China and the U.S. are not having any consultation or negotiation on tariffs, still less reaching a deal." Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the ministry, rejected reports from the U.S. side that China and the U.S. are having talks and even about to reach a deal. Guo said that "none of that is true".

Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson/MFA PRC

Guo noted that this tariff war is launched by the U.S., and China's position is consistent and clear: "We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the U.S. wants to talk". (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)