The United States has completely miscalculated. Trump didn't wait for our call; instead, he faced a stronger counter-sanction from us! When the State Council Information Office released the white paper "Certain Issues Regarding the China-US Economic and Trade Relations" this afternoon at 3 PM, I had a feeling that we were definitely going to act. This move was very much like a prelude to an official declaration before taking action.

Indeed, four hours later, we retaliated by imposing an additional 50% tariff on the U.S. For the Sino-US trade dispute, we have clearly explained the facts and context. We also fully hope to maintain normal Sino-US trade relations. However, the U.S. has repeatedly pressured us, continuously escalating tensions. We had no choice but to take action. Clearly, our actions do not mean that we do not want Sino-US economic and trade relations, nor do they mean that we want to interrupt Sino-US economic and trade relations.

Rather, we must send a clear signal to the U.S. through this move: extortion and threats are not the way to handle affairs between China and the U.S. We are well aware that compromise will only lead to further aggression from the U.S., while only resolute opposition to coercion can possibly bring the overly aggressive U.S. back to a rational state. It is evident that both sides of the Sino-US relationship must conduct business under the principles of equality, respect, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation.

Clearly, the U.S. assumed that we would compromise, but our actions have proven that our commitment to see it through is not mere rhetoric. Such countermeasures were undoubtedly unexpected by the U.S. Because just before the U.S. tariffs took effect, the U.S. side was still waiting for our call. The Sino-US trade war should not escalate, but the U.S., which initiated the trade war, must proactively de-escalate. Negotiations are welcome; confrontation, we are prepared to face. Undoubtedly, the U.S. should not underestimate our firm determination to deal with this trade war or the preparations we have made.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1828927334715402/

Disclaimer: The article represents the views of the author alone.