Q: Following China’s recent announcement of upcoming talks with the U.S. side, the United States has stated that it will not lower tariffs before negotiations begin and has implied that the talks were not initiated by the U.S. side. What is China’s comment on this?

A: Regarding the upcoming China-U.S. high-level economic and trade talks, both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce of China have already made statements. I would like to reiterate the following three points:

First, the U.S. side has recently reached out to China through various channels, actively conveying its desire to engage with China on tariffs and other related issues. After carefully assessing the U.S. messages, China decided to agree to hold discussions. The talks are being held at the request of the U.S. side.

Second, it is China’s consistent position to firmly oppose the U.S. abuse of tariffs. China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, uphold international fairness and justice, and defend WTO rules and the multilateral trading system.

Third, this tariff war was launched by the U.S. side. If the U.S. genuinely wants a negotiated solution, it should stop making threats and exerting pressure, and engage in talks with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit. China will never accept a situation where the U.S. says one thing but does another, nor will China seek any agreement at the cost of principles or international fairness and justice.