Beijing: China reiterated its call for “dialogue” with Washington on Thursday as trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies continue to escalate. The ongoing dispute has led both nations to impose a series of tariffs on each other’s imports, deepening economic uncertainty.
“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”,commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian stated during a weekly press conference.
However, she emphasized that any negotiations must be conducted with fairness and respect. “But it must be stressed that any form of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit”, she added.
Warning against coercive tactics, He Yongqian asserted, “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.”
US-China Tariff War Intensifies
Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has imposed a wave of tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico. He cited their failure to curb the illicit flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals as one of the key reasons behind these measures.
In the latest move this month, Trump escalated a previous 10-percent blanket tariff on Chinese products, raising it to 20 percent. Beijing swiftly retaliated, introducing levies of up to 15 percent on a range of US agricultural goods, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.
The economic standoff further intensified as China, the world’s largest steel producer, vowed on Wednesday to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its interests in response to additional US tariffs targeting steel and aluminum imports.
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A Call for Diplomatic Resolution
Despite the rising tensions, China maintains that dialogue remains the best path forward. With global markets keeping a close watch, businesses and investors are hopeful that diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the situation before it causes lasting economic damage.
As trade negotiations between the two superpowers remain uncertain, all eyes are on potential diplomatic breakthroughs that could bring relief to businesses on both sides of the Pacific.
