Beijing today called on Washington to "return to the path of dialogue" to resolve tensions in trade relations between the two powers that have escalated since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.
"China has always been in favor of China and the United States adopting a positive and cooperative attitude towards differences and disputes in the economic and trade fields," He Yongqian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said at a weekly briefing with reporters.
"But it must be emphasized that any kind of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality and common interest," the spokeswoman added.
"Threats and intimidation can only be counterproductive," she continued.
China "hopes" that Washington "will return to the path of dialogue and consultation to resolve the problems," said He Yongqian.
After returning to power in January, US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on several of his key trading partners, such as China, Canada and Mexico, officially to respond to the alleged inaction of these countries in cracking down on fentanyl trafficking.
Earlier this month, Trump increased additional tariffs on all Chinese products imported into the US to 20%.
Beijing retaliated by imposing its own tariffs, some of which rose to 15%, on a range of American agricultural products, including soybeans, pork and chicken.
Source: protothema.gr
