China's tech strategy in line with WTO rules,​senior commerce official

Wang Shouwen, Vice Minister with China's Ministry of Commerce speaks at a press meeting in Beijing on April 4,2018.[Photo: Chinanews]

Senior commerce officials say China's official technology policy welcomes participation from foreign countries. 

Chinese authorities say "Made in China 2025," a decade-long national strategy, aims to boost the country's manufacturing and innovation.

Commerce Vice Minister Wang Shouwen says the official policy which is now at the center of an escalating trade dispute with the United States is transparent, open and fair.

He says all companies, including foreign ones, are welcome to participate.

"'It is an open and transparent proposal aiming to provide some strategic and information guidance for the upgrading of Chinese manufacture industry. 'Made in China 2025' is open and non-discriminatory. Not only Chinese enterprises but also foreign enterprises can participate; not only state-owned enterprises but also private enterprises can participate. Therefore, we also welcome U.S.-funded enterprises to take part in 'Made in China 2025' plan."

The official made the comments as he reacted to the announcement by the Trump administration that additional tariffs of 25 percent would be imposed on some products key to the Chinese industrial strategy.

The proposed list covers more than 1,300 products imported from China, worth around 50 billion U.S. dollars. 

Most of them are tech products including aerospace, information technology, robotics and machinery.

Wang adds that the US is self-restricted in terms of exports to China and fewer exports will result in a big trade deficit.

He called on the US to loosen its grip on exports of high-tech products to narrow the trade gap while urging joint efforts to achieve more balanced trade.

"It is necessary for both parties to work hard together to reduce the surplus. It can't be just one side that reduces the surplus. I want to buy something from the them. They don't sell it. They continues to limit their exports. How can they reduce the surplus? Therefore, we hope that the United States can relax regulations on exports of high-tech products to China."

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang also says that the country's wish to improve its manufacturing capacity is "irreproachable." 

He adds fair competition in the sector among different countries could eventually benefit the people. 

"The United States has a world-leading position in scientific and technological strength and manufacturing. It should maintain a confident, fair and square attitude while competing with other countries, rather than taking unilateralist and protectionist measures to pressure on and interfere with the efforts of other countries."

China's trade officials stress that the country does not want a trade war, as there will be no winners.

The Ministry of Commerce said China has launched WTO dispute settlement procedures over the U.S. tariffs.