On May 7th, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce responded to a journalist’s question regarding the high-level China-U.S. economic and trade talks. A reporter asked, “Earlier this morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Vice Premier He Lifeng will visit Switzerland from May 9th to 12th, during which he will hold talks with the U.S. side. Could the Ministry of Commerce provide some background and considerations regarding these talks?”

The spokesperson replied:
Since the new U.S. administration took office, it has implemented a series of unlawful and unreasonable unilateral tariff measures that have severely impacted China-U.S. economic and trade relations, disrupted international trade order, and posed significant challenges to global economic recovery and growth. In order to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, China has taken firm countermeasures.
Recently, high-level U.S. officials have repeatedly signaled their intention to adjust tariff measures and have proactively communicated with China through various channels, expressing a desire to initiate talks on tariffs and related issues. China has carefully assessed the information from the U.S. Based on a thorough consideration of global expectations, China’s interests, as well as the calls from U.S. industries and consumers, China has decided to agree to engage in contacts with the U.S.
Vice Premier He Lifeng, as the head of the Chinese side for China-U.S. economic and trade relations, will meet with U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in Switzerland during his visit. China’s position remains consistent: whether it’s through negotiations or confrontation, China’s determination to safeguard its development interests will not change, nor will its commitment to uphold international fairness and justice and maintain the international trade order. If the U.S. is willing to talk, China’s door is open. However, any dialogue or negotiation must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect, equal consultation, and mutual benefit.

There is an old Chinese saying: “Listen to what they say, but observe what they do.” If the U.S. seeks to resolve issues through negotiation, it must face the severe negative impacts caused by its unilateral tariff measures, both on itself and the world. It must acknowledge international trade rules, fairness, justice, and the rational voices of various parties. The U.S. must show genuine sincerity for negotiations, correct its wrongdoings, and engage with China to resolve mutual concerns through equal consultation.

If the U.S. adopts a double standard—saying one thing and doing another, or attempts to use negotiations as a guise for coercion and extortion—China will not accept it, and will never compromise its principles or sacrifice international fairness and justice to reach any agreement.