China said on Thursday there have been no discussions with the United States over tariffs despite indications from Washington that there would be some easing in tensions.

The remarks came after US President Donald Trump appeared to indicate that he is willing to lower the high 145 percent tariffs he levied on Chinese goods, saying at the White House on Wednesday that the levies will not stay at the current level.

Trump also suggested that senior officials from Beijing had been in contact with Washington to start laying the groundwork for discussions over the matter.

In Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said "all talk" regarding progress over the two countries' bilateral talks amount to "fake news".

He added: “From what I understand, China and the United States have not held consultations or negotiations over tariff issues, let alone reached an agreement.

"This tariff war was initiated by the United States, and China's stance has been consistent and clear: if they insist on fighting, we will fight to the end.

"But if they want to talk, we are open for talks. [But] the dialogue and negotiation must be conducted in an equal, respectful and mutually beneficial way."

Guo's remarks were echoed by the Ministry of Commerce spokesman, He Yadong, who also dismissed such "trade talk claims".

“If the United States truly wants to resolve the issue, it should heed rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs on China, and find a solution through equal dialogue,” He said.