China Calls for Dialogue with U.S. Amid Escalating Trade Tensions

China has called for dialogue with the United States to address the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations, as both countries continue to impose tariffs on each other’s imports.

In a statement during a weekly news conference, China’s commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian emphasized that China advocates for a positive and cooperative approach to resolving differences in the economic and trade sectors.

“China has always advocated that China and the United States should adopt a positive and cooperative attitude towards differences and controversies in economic and trade fields,” He said. “But it must be stressed that any form of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.”

She further stated that “threats and intimidation can only be counterproductive,” urging both nations to return to a path of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation.

Since taking office in January, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on several trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, citing their failure to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals. This month, Trump raised the previously imposed 10-percent blanket tariff on Chinese products to 20 percent, prompting Beijing to retaliate with tariffs of up to 15 percent on a range of U.S. agricultural products, such as soybeans, pork, and chicken.

Additionally, China, the world’s leading steel producer, vowed to take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its interests in response to new U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.