China's vice foreign minister speaks on US tariffs and DPRK

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By CGTN's World Insight

The US has gained headlines over the weekend, one by imposing new steel and aluminum duties that did not sit well with US trading partners, another by suddenly announcing to have President Donald Trump meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un.

China, alongside with the European Union, Japan and South Korea, has expressed its opposition to the trade tariffs. Many fear the looming threat of a potential global trade war. China's vice foreign minister Li Baodong spoke to CGTN host Tian Wei on the sidelines of China's Two Sessions to shed some lights on China's upcoming actions on the two issues.

"We do not want to see a trade war happening. That will have a negative impact on global trade and growth. It is a zero-sum game. That is why we have kept working on the Americans. There are always ups and downs in the Sino-US relations, but still, I have confidence."

Li said there must be joint efforts; that China is willing, but it is like a dance. "If we move together, we can have a dance; if not then it is stepping on the toes."

US President Donald Trump (R) agreed on March 8, 2018, to a historic first meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (L) in a stunning development in America's high-stakes nuclear standoff with the DPRK. / VCG Photo

On the meeting between US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in May, Li said China is very happy to see the meeting to take place.

"We hope the meeting can keep the momentum of peace talk and keep peace and stability in the region. DPRK is our neighbor. We have made a tremendous contribution to bringing all players together."

Li said before the meeting happens, China will keep asking the two parties to sit down and talk to each other, and address problems through talks.

World Insight With Tian Wei is a 45-minutes global affairs and debate show on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 10:15 p.m. BJT (1415GMT) with rebroadcasts at 4:15 a.m. BJT (20:15GMT)