The Chinese authorities are studying the United States' statements about its readiness to hold bilateral talks, China's ministry of commerce said.

The ministry recalled that US officials have repeatedly expressed their willingness to hold talks with Beijing to discuss trade tariffs.

"The United States has recently sent messages to China through interested parties, expressing its willingness to start negotiations with China," notes the statement on the website of the aforesaid Chinese ministry. "China is currently studying it."

"China's position is consistent: if we have to fight, we will fight to the end. If dialogue is necessary, the door is open," the Chinese ministry of commerce added in its statement.