BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- If the U.S. side truly wishes to solve tariff-related issues with China through dialogue and negotiation, it must stop threatening and extorting, and conduct the dialogue on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefits, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said here Wednesday.
Guo made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to the latest comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on trade tensions between the two countries.
It was reported that Trump said the United States is "doing fine with China" and would not play hardball with China on negotiations. He said that the final tariff rate with China would come down "substantially" from the current 145 percent, but that "it won't be zero." Trump also added that China has to make a deal with the United States; otherwise, China is not going to be able to deal in the United States.
Meanwhile, Bessent reportedly said that the high tariff rates between the United States and China have effectively embargoed trade between the economies, and the goal is not to have a hard break or complete decoupling between the United States and China. He also said that the two countries may reach a comprehensive agreement within two to three years, but talks had yet to formally start.
In response, Guo said that China has long pointed out that there are no winners in tariff and trade wars, protectionism has no way out, and decoupling and breaking the industrial chain will only lead to self-isolation.
"Regarding the tariff war launched by the United States, China's attitude is very clear: We are unwilling to fight it and are not afraid of doing so," he said.
If the United States is determined to fight a tariff and trade war, China's response will continue to the end. If it really wishes to solve tariff-related issues through dialogue and negotiation, China also leaves the door open for talks, Guo said.
The spokesperson said the United States cannot wish to reach an agreement while constantly engaging in extreme pressure on China. "That is not the correct way to deal with China, and is doomed to fail," he said. ■