China-US trade friction does not faze public

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The tit-for-tat trade dispute between China and the US shows no sign of calming down.

Despite escalating tensions over a trade war, many Chinese appear to be rather calm and express confidence in the government’s ability to handle the situation effectively.

“Some Chinese export companies' business may be affected. But we’ll see. I'm sure the government will come up with countermeasures,” said a Beijing resident who works in the tourism industry.

Chinese citizens do not appear overly concerned about the possible price rises caused by tariffs should the disputes continue. A Zhengzhou resident says “I’m not worried, not at all. I’m not interested in American cars and products.”

Some feel China has been forced into the current situation. “The westerners don’t get us. Chinese always put peace first. But we won’t tolerate being bullied,” said a resident of Beijing.

Most Chinese believe that negotiation is key to solving the current standoff.

“I think there is a lot of room for discussion because China and the US have different but complementary industrial structures,” Says Li Wenbo from Shanghai, who works in logistics.

However, “right now we have different starting points, how can we talk? Trump advocates for protectionism, we want an open market,” said another resident of Beijing.