China open to trade talks with US if it shows respect: Bloomberg

China is open to having trade talks with the United States — provided that some conditions are met.

This is according to Bloomberg, which reported that it spoke to an unnamed person familiar with the Chinese government thinking.

Here are some of the conditions China apparently has:

1. Not be subjected to insensitive and disparaging remarks

One condition that has to be met was that China was not to be subjected to any more insensitive and disparaging remarks.

The thinking in Beijing is that Trump should rein in anyone in his team who publicly slammed the Chinese.

This was because not curbing such speech could be seen as Trump implicitly condoning of those views.

Although no names were mentioned, China has shown its displeasure with Vice President JD Vance for using the “Chinese peasants” phrase.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded and called the remarks “ignorant and disrespectful”.

Bloomberg reported that it was seen as "a rare direct rebuke of a senior U.S. leader".

China's apparent confusion was explained as such: Trump has been relatively respectful when speaking about Xi, but people in his administration have been more hawkish, leaving Beijing unsure of the U.S.’s position, the person said.

2. Appoint a person for talks that lead to a deal

Another condition is for the U.S. to appoint a point person for talks to prepare a deal.

The person must have Trump's ear and is able to act with the U.S. president's authority.

The Bloomberg piece appeared after the U.S. leader called on China to reach out to him on Apr. 15 in order to start negotiations.

The U.S. believes the ball is in China's court.

But Chinese president Xi Jinping is seen as having the political incentive domestically to rebuff or hit back at the U.S., given the unpopularity of the tariffs levied on Chinese imports.

However, while Trump appears determined to get Xi to negotiate, China wants talks that lead to a clear outcome, Bloomberg added.

3. Be clearer on position of sanctions

Beijing also wants to know that Washington is ready to address China’s concerns, the person said.

Chief among them is the use of American sanctions.

Beijing's perception is that the U.S. has enacted policies to contain and suppress China’s modernisation.

This has also left analysts uncertain about the purpose, as Trump’s demands on tariffs on China would mean they need to remain high to balance trade, but at the same time, something has to give if talks with China are to be productive.

4. Be clear on Taiwan

Last but not least, Beijing's concerns on national security pertains to Taiwan, where the person said China will not undertake any provocative actions on the island, but it will respond if provoked.

5. The Trump as negotiator conundrum

Chinese officials are also reportedly understanding of Trump wanting to personally lead negotiations with China, the person said.

Although the Chinese might be flattered by Trump devoting himself to doing it in person, officials in China believe it is most productive for officials designated by the two presidents to oversee the talks instead, the person said.

This also concurs with the previously reported perception of Americans that China relies on strict protocol and badly wants to prepare Xi for any call that is this important and significant.

Such an approach is at odds with Trump's style of doing business and is a source of tension.

Top photos via Xinhua & White House