BEIJING: China warned on Wednesday (Apr 16) it was “not afraid” to struggle a commerce struggle with america and reiterated requires dialogue, after US President Donald Trump stated it was up to Beijing to come to the negotiating table.
“If the US actually needs to resolve the problem by dialogue and negotiation, it ought to cease exerting excessive stress, cease threatening and blackmailing, and speak to China on the premise of equality, respect and mutual profit,” overseas ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated.
Trump initially imposed tariffs on imports from China over its alleged position within the fentanyl provide chain – and lately stepped up these levies sharply over commerce practices that Washington deems unfair.
This yr, Trump has imposed an extra 145 per cent tariff on many goods from China, stacking atop duties from earlier administrations.
This concerned 20 per cent over fentanyl and different illicit medicine, in addition to 125 per cent over commerce practices.
Trump’s administration has, nevertheless, given temporary reprieve for certain tech products – like smartphones and laptops – from the newest levy.
And on Tuesday, the US President stated “the ball is in China’s court docket. China must make a cope with us”, in line with an announcement learn out by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a briefing.
Beijing responded on Wednesday by saying it was “the US that initiated this tariff struggle”.
“China’s place has been very clear. There isn’t a winner in a tariff struggle or a commerce struggle,” Lin stated. “China doesn’t need to struggle, however it’s not afraid to struggle.”
