China's stance on Huawei dispute remains tough and clear

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01:50

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that it's possible to include Huawei in some part of the trade deal with China. It's the first time he has publicly linked the dispute over the telecom giant to a trade deal.

However, amid the U.S. sanctions on Huawei, China's stance on the dispute remains clear and tough.

Chinese Commerce Ministry on Thursday said “the Chinese government has confidence in its ability to safeguard the rights and interests of Chinese companies. For Chinese companies, the best response to the U.S. bullying behavior is to focus on their own development."

"The Chinese government will continue to strengthen efforts to deepen reform, broaden opening up, and build a fairer and stable business environment," said the ministry.

One day earlier, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin expressed the willingness to talk, hoping the two sides would get back to the negotiating table. China welcomed his remarks with Foreign Ministry saying "the door is open, but negotiations need to be meaningful and sincere. We hope the U.S. will show "sincerity" if trade talks are to continue."

In addition, China's Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai denounced Washington's restrictions.

Cui said that China remains ready to continue trade talks with the American colleagues to reach a conclusion. China's door is still open, but the U.S. side is frequently changing its mind.

China's Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai. /VCG Photo

"The United States is the most powerful developed country in the world, the world's sole superpower. How did it come to a point where it resorts to sanctions despite having better approaches at hand? Why can't it negotiate with others? Why can't it consider the opinions of others?" said Cui.

The disappointment was echoed by the stock market. Wall Street tumbled Thursday, as investors expressed fears that the ongoing trade war between the world's two largest economies would stymie global economic growth.

It's an impasse many hope will be resolved. Sooner rather than later.