Punishing US tariffs that have reached 145 percent on many Chinese products came into force in April, while Beijing has responded with fresh 125 percent duties on imports from the United States.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that China has reached out for talks on the tariffs -- claims Beijing has vehemently denied.

On Thursday Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese outlet linked to state broadcaster CCTV, said citing sources that Washington was "proactively" reaching out to China via "multiple channels" for talks on the tariffs.

"From a negotiation standpoint the US is currently the more anxious party," the outlet, which blends analysis with news reporting, said on the X-like platform Weibo.

"The Trump administration is facing multiple pressures," it added.

AFP has reached out to China's foreign ministry for comment.

Beijing has repeatedly urged the United States to engage in dialogue in a "fair, respectful and reciprocal" manner.

But it has also said it will fight a trade war to the bitter end if needed, with a video posted on social media this week by its foreign ministry vowing to "never kneel down!"