New 15% tariffs on more than USD 125B in Chinese imports took effect over the weekend, while the levies on the rest of USD 300B are still on track for December 15. China also started retaliation on the USD 75B in American goods. At the same time, US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that talks are still planned for September. He noted, “we are talking to China, the meetings in September, that hasn’t changed.”

On the other hand, Chinese state media repeated its hard line messages. The official Xinhua news agency warned “the United States should learn how to behave like a responsible global power and stop acting as a ‘school bully’.” The People’s Daily also emphasized “China’s booming economy has made China a fertile ground for investment that foreign companies cannot ignore.”

China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng said today that “China has ample means for retaliation, but thinks the question that should be discussed now is about removing the new tariffs to prevent escalation of the trade war.” And, “China is lodging solemn representations with the U.S. on the matter.”

Additionally, Gao reiterated the usual rhetoric that “escalation of the trade war won’t benefit China, nor the US, nor the world,” and “the most important thing is to create the necessary conditions for continuing negotiations.” He also repeated Vice Premier Liu He’s comment that China is “willing to solve the problem through consultation and cooperation with a calm attitude, but firmly opposes escalation of trade war.”

The comments suggested that China is backing down from its hard-line stance after recent escalation by US President Donald Trump. Trump tweeted earlier this month that 25% tariffs on some USD 250B in imports from China would rise to 30% come Oct. 1. He also lifted planned levies on USD 300B in Chinese goods due on Sept. 1 and Dec. 15 by 5%.