(illustrative photo: Reuters)

Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Guo Jiakun, made the comment at a regular briefing in Beijing on Thursday, saying that reports of ongoing talks were fake news.

He reiterated China's consistent position that the trade war was initiated by the United States, and China’s stance remains clear that “if it’s a fight, China will fight to the end.” He added that the door for negotiation is always open.

However, any dialogue or negotiation must be based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, he said.