China-US Trade War: Chinese commerce ministry: Negotiation depends on US sincerity

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01:58

The Chinese Commerce Ministry says the country's trade feud, initiated by the US, will backfire against the American economy. It also says further trade talks will depend on Washington's attitude. CGTN's Sun Tianyuan reports.

Strong words flying at a routine Chinese Commerce Ministry press conference.

GAO FENG, SPOKESPERSON CHINESE COMMERCE MINISTRY "By continuously escalating trade tensions and spreading into other sectors, the US's wrong practices have seriously damaged the foundation and atmosphere of negotiations, a consequence the US must fully be held responsible for."

Gao says China strongly opposes the US trade stance, adding that imposing additional tariffs won't solve the trade imbalance, only backfire against the US.

Recently, over 170 American shoe companies wrote letters imploring their government not to impose additional tariffs on China.

The letter says if additional 25 percent tariffs were slapped on Chinese goods, it will cost American consumers an estimated 7 billion more US dollars purchasing the products.

GAO FENG, SPOKESPERSON CHINESE COMMERCE MINISTRY "There is no winner in a trade war. The US side's act of imposing additional tariffs not only harms China's interests, but also US businesses and consumers. China hopes the US can correct its wrong practices to avoid further damage to related companies and consumers."

Gao adds that negotiations should be based on mutual respect and equal footing.

And the progress of China-US trade talks will largely depend on the attitude and sincerity of the US side. Experts say there are lines that the US shouldn't cross, especially against China's national interests.

SUN TIANYUAN BEIJING "The ministry urges the US to stay rational and avoid escalating trade tensions single sidedly. Gao says cooperation is the only option but China will not back down when it comes to major principles. Sun Tianyuan, CGTN, Beijing."