The Ministry of Commerce of China File photo: VCG

In response to a question about the upcoming high-level economic, trade meeting between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and the US side in Switzerland, as well as whether the Chinese side has proposed any conditions before agreeing to start negotiations, including the cancellation of unilateral tariffs on Chinese products and whether the US agreed to these conditions, Commerce Ministry Spokesperson He Yadong stated on Thursday that China has consistently and firmly opposed the US abuse of tariffs.

"If the US truly seeks to resolve issues through negotiations, it must first recognize the serious negative impact its unilateral tariff measures have had on both itself and the global economy. It must also face up to international trade rules, uphold fairness and justice, heed the rational voices of all parties, and demonstrate sincerity in dialogue," said He Yadong.

The US must be ready to correct its mistaken actions, remove its unilaterally imposed tariffs, and take concrete steps to meet the Chinese side halfway through equal consultations aimed at addressing shared concerns. If the US says one thing but does another, or uses negotiations as a pretext for continued coercion and extortion, China will never accept it. It will not compromise its principles or undermine international fairness and justice to reach any deal, said the Commerce Ministry spokesperson.

Global Times