BEIJING: China warned on Wednesday (Apr 16) it was “not afraid” to struggle a commerce struggle with the US and reiterated requires dialogue, after US President Donald Trump mentioned it was up to Beijing to come to the negotiating table.
“If the US actually desires to resolve the difficulty via dialogue and negotiation, it ought to cease exerting excessive strain, cease threatening and blackmailing, and speak to China on the premise of equality, respect and mutual profit,” international ministry spokesman Lin Jian mentioned.
Trump initially imposed tariffs on imports from China over its alleged function within the fentanyl provide chain – and not too long ago stepped up these levies sharply over commerce practices that Washington deems unfair.
This 12 months, 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 medication, 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 most recent levy.
And on Tuesday, the US president mentioned “the ball is in China’s court docket. China must make a take care of us”, based on a press release 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 any winner in a tariff struggle or a commerce struggle,” Lin mentioned. “China doesn’t wish to struggle, however it isn’t afraid to struggle.”
