China reiterates opposition to unilateral additional tariffs by US

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - China on Thursday reiterated its opposition to unilateral additional tariffs imposed by the US, state media reported.

“Trade wars and tariff wars produce no winners and harm the interests of people in all countries,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing.

Guo was reacting to a statement by US President Donald Trump that the US might reach a new trade deal with China.

“Both sides should resolve their respective concerns through dialogue and consultation based on equality and mutual respect, and China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” Guo said.

In 2020, the US had already agreed to “a great trade deal with China,” and a new deal was “possible,” Trump told reporters.

He added that China’s President Xi Jinping may visit the US but without giving any timeline for the latter’s trip.

"We'll have, ultimately, President Xi, we will have everybody coming (to the US)," Trump said.

He imposed additional customs duties of 10% on all products imported from China. Beijing retaliated with up to 15% tariffs on targeted imports from the US.

China has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization as well.

The US president has also threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all imported cars.

Besides, he signed executive orders last week imposing new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, due to come into effect on March 12.

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao also wrote on Wednesday to newly appointed US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, expressing “strong dissatisfaction” over the additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods.

“Economic and trade relations are a crucial component of China-US relations. As the world's two largest economies, strengthening economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States is crucial for the development of both countries and for global economic growth,” Wang said.

He said China was “willing to work with the US to enhance dialogue, manage differences, and promote cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, thereby creating a fair and predictable policy environment for practical cooperation between the business communities of both nations.”