Chinese commerce ministry says it maintains working-level communication with U.S. counterparts

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has been maintaining working-level communication with its U.S. counterparts, said spokesperson He Yongqian at a regular press briefing.

China's position has been consistent – it remains open to engaging in economic and trade consultations with the U.S. side, she said.

Noting that the unilateral imposition of tariffs was entirely initiated by the U.S. side, she quoted a Chinese old saying – "It is the doer of the deed who must undo it" – to urge the U.S. to correct its approach.

"We urge the U.S. to immediately cease its maximum pressure tactics, stop coercion and intimidation, and resolve differences with China through equal dialogue on the basis of mutual respect," she said.

Following the U.S. move to raise the "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese imports to 125 percent, China said on April 11 that it will raise the additional tariffs on products imported from the U.S. to the same rate, and made clear that it will ignore any further U.S. tariff hike since it makes no economic sense.

The U.S. said it has now slapped up to 245 percent tariffs on some Chinese products entering the country. In response, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday that the U.S. has been playing a meaningless tariff game, and instrumentalized and weaponized tariffs to an irrational level.