China to fight US tariffs, trade wars while open for dialogue

BEIJING, Oct 14 (KUNA) -- China reiterated on Tuesday that it will "fight to the end" in any tariff and trade war with the US, while leaving the door open to dialogue, noting that Washington's demand for negotiations accompanied by the threat of new restrictive measures is not the right way to deal with it.
According to Xinhua News Agency, this came in a statement issued by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce in response to statements by US officials who requested dialogue with Beijing after it imposed new export controls on rare earth minerals, calling on both sides to find solutions to restore stability.
The ministry expressed strong opposition to US discriminatory practices against China, particularly the restrictive measures taken by the US since the Madrid talks between the two sides last September, noting that they have caused significant harm to Chinese interests and undermined the atmosphere for trade talks.
The two countries have maintained continuous communication within the framework of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism and held working-level talks on Monday, affirming the possibility of seeking solutions to problems through mutual respect and equal consultation, as demonstrated by the previous four rounds of talks between them.
The ministry explained that "export control measures concerning rare earths and related items constitute legitimate actions by the Chinese government to improve its export control system in accordance with laws and regulations." There are broad common interests and ample scope for cooperation between the two countries, the ministry pointed out, urging the US side to immediately correct its mistakes, adopt a position of sincerity, and work to meet China halfway to preserve the results of the negotiations, which resulted from strenuous efforts.
China also urged the US side to manage differences appropriately and address their respective concerns through dialogue to achieve sound, stable, and sustainable development of relations between the two countries. (end) slg.res