China says U.S. tariff threats over rare earths 'not the right way to engage'

China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday that U.S. threats to raise tariffs in response to Beijing's control measures on rare earths and related items were not the right way to engage, urging Washington to correct its mistakes.

The U.S. has recently kept introducing a series of restrictions and sanctions against China, seriously undermining China's interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press conference.

China firmly opposes such actions, he added.

Lin called on the U.S. to address both sides' concerns through dialogue based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit; properly manage differences; and safeguard the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.

If the U.S. insists on going its own way, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, Lin said.