China vows resilience amid escalating US tariff tensions
China is prepared to negotiate tariffs with the USA. Still, the discussions must be founded on mutual respect and equality, said He Yongqian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce in Beijing, on Thursday. He acknowledged that the challenges facing Chinese trade have significantly increased.
Responding to several questions during a press briefing, the spokesman strongly criticised US President Donald Trump's actions, which included imposing tariffs totalling 125% on the import of Chinese products.
Beijing comments on American tariffs
This seriously violates the rights of Chinese enterprises and destabilises the global economic order, the spokesman remarked.
— We will never accept the U.S.'s extreme pressure and bullying behavior, and will take firm and forceful measures to defend our legitimate rights and interests, declared He.
He pointed out that although "there are no winners in a trade war," China will "fight to the end" in response to further decisions by Washington.
He announced that the authorities in Beijing will unwaveringly strive for a high level of openness to the world and follow their path. According to him, the People's Republic of China's stance is expected to contribute to "the stability of the global economy."
The ministry has informed that it is taking measures to support companies involved in foreign transactions by expanding sales opportunities in the domestic market.
China reacts to the US decision
The spokesman assured that China has the confidence and ability to meet various challenges and risks in foreign trade.
The Chinese government decided on Wednesday to raise retaliatory tariffs on goods imported from the USA from 34% to 84%. This was in response to the American administration's implementation of tariffs totalling 104%. A few hours later, Trump announced a 90-day pause in the application of increased tariffs for other countries, raising tariffs for China to 125%.
