China is fully prepared to defend its interests in its trade war with the United States, but hopes Washington can resolve problems through dialogue instead of unilateral steps, the Chinese commerce ministry says.
China has the determination and capacity to defend its interests, but hopes the US can meet it halfway, Gao Feng, the ministry’s spokesman, told reporters on Thursday.
Vice Premier Liu He is heading a delegation set to hold talks with US counterparts in Washington on Thursday and Friday aimed at salvaging a deal, after President Donald Trump threatened to hike tariffs on Chinese goods on Friday.
China opposes unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will not succumb to any pressure, Gao said.
The US tariff action would come in the middle of meetings between Liu and Trump’s top trade officials in Washington.