China calls for ‘Dialogue’ to resolve US trade tensions

BEIJING, March 13: China on Thursday called for “dialogue” with Washington to resolve escalating trade tensions that have led the world’s two largest economies to impose a series of tariffs on each other’s imports.

“China has always advocated that China and the United States should adopt a positive and cooperative attitude toward differences and controversies in the economic and trade fields,” commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian said at a weekly news conference.

“But it must be stressed that any form of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit,” she added.

“Threats and intimidation can only be counterproductive. It is hoped that the United States and China will work together to return to the correct path of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation.”

Since retaking office in January, US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, citing their failure to curb the flow of deadly fentanyl and related precursor chemicals.

This month, Trump increased a 10-percent blanket tariff previously imposed on Chinese products to 20 percent.

In response, Beijing imposed levies of up to 15 percent on a range of US agricultural goods, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.

China — the world’s top steel producer — also vowed on Wednesday to take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests in response to separate new US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

RSS / Agence France Press