China Seeks Dialogue With US Amid Trade Tensions

China has called for dialogue with the United States to resolve spiralling trade tensions between the two nations.

The world’s two largest economies have continuously imposed several tariffs on each other’s imports.

“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,” commerce ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian told a weekly news conference.

“But it must be stressed that any form of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit,” she said.

“Threats and intimidation can only be counterproductive. It is hoped that the United States and China will work together to return to the correct track of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation.”

Since retaking office in January, President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, citing their failure to stem the flow of deadly fentanyl and related precursor chemicals.

This month, Trump raised the 10-percent blanket tariff he previously imposed on Chinese products to 20 percent. Beijing responded with levies of up to 15 percent on a range of US agricultural goods, including soybeans, pork and chicken.

On Wednesday, China, the world’s top steel producer, vowed to take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests in response to separate new US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.