China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian Photo: Yin Yeping/GT

In response to a media question on Thursday regarding whether China has engaged in tariff negotiations with the US, Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said that "China's position is clear and consistent. If the US wants to talk, our door remains open, but dialogue must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and equality. If the US wants to fight, our response will continue to the end. Pressure, threats, and coercion are not the right way to deal with China." 

He said that China hopes the US will work with us in the same direction, adhering to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, to properly resolve differences through dialogue and consultation.

In response to a media question about what US President Trump meant by his claim that "China wants to make a deal. They just don't know how quite to go about it," and whether China and the US have made contact on the matter, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Thursday that the US is still imposing tariffs wantonly against China. He emphasized that China firmly opposes and will never accept such overbearing and bullying behavior.

Pressure, threats, and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China. If the US truly wants to engage in dialogue, it should demonstrate an attitude of equality, respect, and reciprocity. But if the US ignores the interests of both countries and the international community and insists on provoking a tariff and trade war, China's response will continue to the end, Lin said.

Global Times