Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong at a regular press conference Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday that the US has agreed to consultations within the WTO framework over tariff measures, and China will move ahead with subsequent procedures in accordance with WTO rules. 

In response to a question regarding the US agreeing to hold consultations with Canada and China separately at the WTO and whether the consultations have already started, MOFCOM spokesperson He Yadong said that the US' imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese products is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, which seriously violates WTO rules. 

In response to the US' tariff measures, China initiated a WTO dispute complaint. On March 14, the US side agreed to consultations under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism, and China will advance subsequent procedures in accordance with WTO rules, the spokesperson said at a press briefing on Thursday. 

This development is in line with WTO rules, as the US, as a WTO member, is obliged to respond to China's request for consultations, Li Yong, a senior research fellow at the China Association of International Trade, told the Global Times on Thursday, adding that consultations are crucial for reducing misjudgments, seeking common ground, and managing the situation.

Resolving disputes through consultation and dialogue can reduce misjudgments and misunderstandings between the two sides. It can facilitate the exchange of opinions between the two parties, enabling them to seek common ground to contain and management the dispute, Li said.

In response to a separate question related to US Senator Steve Daines' recent visit to China and any progress between China and the US on trade-related issues such as tariffs, He Yadong stressed that the economic and trade departments of China and the US have always maintained communication through various forms.

"We firmly oppose the US' unilateral imposition of tariffs on China and oppose the politicization, weaponization, and instrumentalization of economic and trade issues," the MOFCOM spokesperson said, adding that China is willing to conduct candid dialogue with the US on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.

Li urged the US to refrain from abusing unilateral trade measures, which does nothing to help resolve disputes through dialogue and consultation.

Global Times