Chinese Ministry of Commerce: "Firm Opposition to Using Bilateral Dialogue as a Smokescreen for Coercion and Intimidation"
The Chinese government has issued a preemptive warning to the United States not to act coercively during the high-level U.S.-China talks scheduled for this weekend, according to a report by the Hong Kong daily South China Morning Post (SCMP) on May 7.
According to announcements from both governments, the U.S. delegation will include Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamison Greer, while the Chinese delegation will be led by Hu Lipeng, Vice Premier of the State Council of China and the country's top economic official. The talks are set to take place in Switzerland. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Vice Premier Hu will visit Switzerland from May 9 to May 12.
In a separate statement, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce firmly opposed "the use of dialogue as a smokescreen for coercion and intimidation," stressing that "these negotiations must be based on mutual respect and a genuine willingness to address each other's concerns." The ministry added, "We will approach discussions with the United States with full consideration for the expectations of countries around the world, China's interests, and the needs of U.S. industries and consumers."
The ministry further emphasized, "The United States must demonstrate sincerity, correct its wrongful practices, and work with China to resolve shared concerns through equal and fair consultations." The statement also warned other countries engaging in bilateral negotiations with the United States, saying, "Concessions to other nations do not guarantee peace, and compromise does not lead to respect."
This high-level meeting is significant as it marks the first face-to-face negotiations between the world's two largest economies since the resumption of the trade war. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump had hinted at the possibility of contact with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a Time magazine interview and remarks made before attending Pope Francis's funeral, but the Chinese side has officially denied such possibilities.
This year, the United States has imposed tariffs totaling 145% on imports from China, raising the effective tariff rate to 156%. According to data released by the White House, some items are subject to tariffs as high as 245%. In response, China has imposed retaliatory tariffs of up to 125% on American products.
News that the U.S.-China trade talks have resumed has raised global expectations, prompting the U.S. government to take steps to calm the markets. In an interview with Fox News published on this day, Secretary Besant drew a clear line, stating, "Rather than expecting a major trade deal, the goal is to ease tensions, and only after that can progress be made."
He also explained, "This is not the first contact," adding, "There have been ongoing points of engagement with the Chinese side." He further noted, "I was originally scheduled to visit Switzerland, and since the Chinese negotiating team happened to be passing through Switzerland during their European tour, it was natural for us to meet over the weekend."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
