China is delaying trade negotiations with the U.S., awaiting clarity on which of Donald Trump’s advisers will influence policy and how other nations respond to the current 90-day tariff reprieve, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources.
According to the SCMP report, Beijing sees the Trump administration as too divided, with factions pushing conflicting strategies on China.
Trade hawks like Peter Navarro and Robert Lighthizer favor decoupling, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is reportedly open to a rebalanced deal, the report said.
Earlier on Wednesday, a state-run Chinese media outlet reported that Trump’s administration reached out to China to initiate trade talks through various channels.
While communication continues at high levels, SCMP reported, China views it as maintaining contact, not the start of formal negotiations.
Beijing has denied claims by Trump that trade talks are already underway.
The current 90-day grace period on tariffs, granted to most countries except China, is also seen as a window for Beijing to observe how other nations respond, the SCMP report stated.
In the meantime, Beijing is strengthening ties with non-U.S. markets and enhancing domestic resilience, the reported added.
