China fully prepared to defend its interests: MOC

Chinese government has both the will and the ability to defend its own legitimate interests amid the ongoing China-U.S. trade frictions, and has made full preparation for all sorts of possible changes, according to Gao Feng, spokesperson of China's Ministry of Commerce, on Thursday.

National flags of China and the U.S. [File photo: VCG]

China's stance has always been consistent and clear-cut, that is, firm opposition to unilateral additional tariffs. There is no winner in the trade war, which is not in line with the interests of both parties as well as the world, noted Gao.

"We hope to iron out the differences through trade talks instead of unilateral steps, and reach a mutually beneficial and win-win agreement based on mutual respect and equality."

"Chinese Vice Premier Liu He's visit to the U.S. for the 11th round of high-level trade talks from May 9 to 10 manifests China's responsibility and sincerity in pushing forward the consultations," Gao stated. "We hope that the U.S. will work with us in a joint effort towards this end, take care of each other's concerns, and iron out the problems facing both sides through cooperation and consultation."

The spokesman also stressed that escalating the trade frictions goes against the interests of the two peoples and even the whole world. China expresses profound regret for such a move and will resort to necessary countermeasures if the U.S. takes the tariff measures.