U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the beginning of bilateral talks at the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019.
Kevin LeMarque | Reuters
BEIJING—China is emphasizing its willingness to negotiate as higher tariffs on exports to the United States could soon become a reality.
President Donald Trump said this week that he could raise tariffs on Chinese goods by 10% as early as February 1. The White House also announced plans on Monday to investigate China over conduct harmful to U.S. commerce.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has been in constant communication with “relevant” U.S. authorities on economic and trade matters, ministry spokesperson He Yadong said in response on Thursday.
“The Chinese side believes that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the two sides should… strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and promote the stable and healthy development of China-US economic and trade. “We look forward to fostering ‘relationships,'” he added at his weekly press conference. Here’s what he said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC:
President Trump said he spoke on the phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping last week about TikTok and trade. China’s reading did not mention social media apps, but Xi called for cooperation and said economic relations between the two countries are mutually beneficial.
“Tariffs are not good for China, the United States, or the world at large,” Commerce Department spokesman Hu said.
“China is willing to work with the United States to push bilateral economic and trade relations in a stable, healthy and sustainable direction,” he said, adding that this will lead to “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.” It was pointed out that it is based on
The comments echoed those made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday.
In response to a question about tariff negotiations, Mao Zedong said, “We will maintain communication with the United States, properly address differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and pursue the steady, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations.” I am prepared to do so.”
“China will also resolutely protect its own interests,” he said. According to the official English records:
Even if a 10% tariff were imposed on China, it would be far lower than the original 60% tariff that President Trump proposed during his campaign.
Hours after taking office on Monday, President Trump reiterated his plan to impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, without specifying the amount of tariffs on China. He said only that the increased tariffs could be used to force Beijing-based ByteDance to sell its social media app TikTok, but there are currently no plans for future availability in the United States. is being questioned.
When asked about TikTok on Thursday, a Chinese commercial spokesperson said that China “hopes that the U.S. side will listen more to the voices of businesses and people,” adding, “We hope that the U.S. side will listen more closely to the voices of businesses and people,” adding, “We hope that the U.S. side will listen more to the voices of businesses and people,” adding, I look forward to doing more.” And people’s happiness too. ”
