Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

In responding to media questions about why China decides to hold talks with the US after previously stating that it won’t negotiate with the US unless the US cancels tariffs, and about whether China expects the two countries will reduce or remove tariffs on each other, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on Wednesday that China's position has not changed in any way.   

Lin said that the tariff war was provoked by the US. If the US wants to solve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop threatening and pressuring China and engage in dialogue with China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit. China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, as well as uphold WTO rules and the multilateral trading system, Lin said, adding that “you can stay tuned about the specifics of the dialogue itself.”