Chinese Embassy in U.S.: "Preparing for U.S.-China Trade War, but Negotiations Remain Possible"

Amid growing concerns that the U.S.-China trade war could reignite, the Chinese Embassy in the United States stated on October 14 (local time) that it is preparing for a potential trade war with the United States, but also remains open to negotiations.

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, said in an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti on the same day, "China's position is consistent. If there is a fight, we will fight to the end, but if there is a dialogue, the door remains open."

Donald Trump, President of the United States (left), and Xi Jinping, President of China. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Spokesperson Liu added, "Cooperation benefits both sides, but conflict is detrimental to both," and emphasized, "The four previous rounds of economic and trade negotiations have clearly demonstrated that China and the United States can find solutions based on mutual respect and equal consultation."

Referring to the working-level talks between the U.S. and China on October 13, he said, "Both sides are maintaining communication within the framework of the China-U.S. economic and trade negotiations," but stressed, "I would like to point out that the United States cannot threaten to impose new restrictions while simultaneously demanding dialogue."

There is speculation that a summit between the leaders of the United States and China could take place on October 31 in Gyeongju, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting. However, tensions between the two countries are escalating due to China's recent announcement of rare earth export controls, the United States' 100% tariff increase on Chinese goods, the imposition of port entry fees on each other's vessels, and China's suspension of imports of U.S. soybeans.