China has reiterated its call for dialogue with the United States to ease escalating trade tensions that have led both economic powerhouses to impose heavy tariffs on each other’s imports.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing on Thursday, Commerce Ministry spokeswoman, He Yongqian, emphasized Beijing’s stance on economic disputes with Washington.
“China has always advocated that China and the United States should adopt a positive and cooperative attitude towards differences and controversies in economic and trade fields,” she stated.
She stressed that any negotiations must be conducted under fair conditions., adding “But it must be stressed that any form of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.”
Warning against aggressive tactics, she noted, “Threats and intimidation can only be counterproductive. It is hoped that the United States and China will work together… to return to the correct track of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation.”
Since his return to office in January, US President Donald Trump has aggressively enforced tariffs on key trade partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico.
He has cited their failure to curb the influx of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the US as a justification for the levies.
In March, Trump escalated the trade war by increasing the blanket tariff on Chinese goods from 10% to 20%.
Beijing swiftly retaliated with its own tariffs of up to 15% on key American agricultural exports such as soybeans, pork, and chicken.
China, the world’s leading steel producer, also vowed on Wednesday to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its interests following Washington’s newly imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.
