China’s position on the trade war and tariff war is consistent, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday: “We will stand firm if a fight is forced on us, and we are open to negotiation if approached.”
The spokesperson was speaking in response to the recent U.S. announcement of tariff hikes and other restrictive measures against China.
China and the United States share extensive common interests and have broad space for cooperation, said the spokesperson, adding that cooperation benefits both, while confrontation hurts both sides.
The spokesperson also reiterated that China’s announcement of export control measures on rare earths and related items is a legitimate action by the Chinese government to refine its export control system in accordance with laws and regulations.
Noting China’s export controls are not export bans, the spokesperson said licenses will be granted for eligible applications to better safeguard the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains.
