China calls on U.S. to provide fair trade environment

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China urged the U.S. on Thursday to correct its mistakes and provide a fair trade environment for companies.

"The Chinese government has both the confidence and the ability to protect the legitimate interests of Chinese firms," Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson Gao Feng said in response to fresh U.S. sanctions on 13 Chinese entities.

A total of 10 Chinese firms and three individuals were sanctioned after allegedly engaging “in activities that warrant the imposition of measures pursuant to Section 3 of the Iran, North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), and Syria Nonproliferation Act,” according to a notice by the U.S. Department of State on Wednesday.

VCG Photo

China lodges solemn representations with U.S. over Huawei

Gao said China had lodged solemn representations with the U.S. after it blocked Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei from buying U.S. goods.

“The best response towards U.S. trade bullying of Chinese firms is to continue to grow and develop to provide goods with high qualities to the whole world,” Gao added.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday that the U.S. pressure on Chinese private enterprises like Huawei is "typical economic bullying behavior."

Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province. /VCG Photo

U.S. must show 'sincerity' for trade talks to continue

Gao emphasized that the U.S. must show "sincerity" if trade talks are to continue between the world's top two economies.

He stressed that Beijing would "not yield" on major principles.

"If the U.S. wants to continue to talk, it should show sincerity and correct its mistaken actions. Only on the basis of equality and respect can the negotiations have the chance of continuing," Gao added.

(Top image: China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson Gao Feng at a press conference on May 16, 2019. /Xinhua photo)