BEIJING (Reuters) - China called for all "unilateral" U.S. tariffs to be cancelled on Thursday, as signs emerged that the Trump administration may de-escalate its trade war with Beijing. China also clarified it has not held trade talks with Washington despite repeated comments from the U.S. government suggesting there had been engagement.

Mr Trump’s decision to consider backing down in his trade war comes as the harm it has caused America’s economy becomes clearer. Trade shipments between China and the US are collapsing and a critical survey of American businesses shows growth in activity slumped to a 16-month low.