According to a report on the Ministry of Commerce website on April 21, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding the US attempts to coerce other countries into restricting economic and trade cooperation with China through tariff measures.
A reporter asked: According to reports from multiple overseas media outlets, sources revealed that the Trump administration is preparing to pressure other countries during tariff negotiations. These countries will be required to restrict their trade with China in exchange for tariff exemptions from the US side. What are your comments on this?
Answer: We have noticed relevant reports. Recently, the US has been imposing tariffs indiscriminately under the pretext of so-called "reciprocity" while coercing all parties to engage in so-called "reciprocal tariff" negotiations. This is about using the banner of "reciprocity" to promote hegemonic politics in the economic field and implement unilateral bullying. Appeasement does not bring peace, and compromise does not earn respect. Attempting to gain one's own short-term private interests by sacrificing others' interests in exchange for so-called exemptions is akin to trying to get a tiger to part with its skin, and ultimately results in both sides losing out, being harmful without any benefit.
The Chinese side respects the efforts of all parties to resolve their economic and trade disputes with the US through equal consultations. The Chinese side believes that all parties should stand on the side of fairness and justice, and on the right side of history on the issue of "reciprocal tariffs." They should defend international economic and trade rules and the multilateral trading system. It is particularly important to note that the Chinese side firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the cost of China's interests. If such a situation occurs, China will absolutely not accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures. China has the determination and ability to safeguard its own interests.
In the face of the impact of unilateralism and protectionism, no country can remain unscathed. Once international trade regresses into the "law of the jungle" of survival of the fittest, all countries will become victims. China is willing to strengthen unity and coordination with all parties, work together to resist unilateral bullying behavior, safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests, and uphold international fairness and justice.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7495566848402948648/
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