After US tariffs, China calls for trade cooperation

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China's Ministry of Commerce, responding to protectionist moves by the United States, said on Thursday that cooperation on trade between the two nations is the only "right choice."

"China is always open for cooperation and dialogue," said ministry spokesperson Gao Feng at a press conference."We hope trade friction between the two countries will not escalate and the two sides could properly dissolve the disputes in a constructive way.

"We hope economic and trade cooperation between China and the US not only benefits development for both sides, but also serves as a positive force for world economic growth, which could help avoid causing uncertainties to the world economy and damaging the environment for global trade and investment."

The office of the United States Trade Representative announced Monday that the US will impose tariffs of up to 50 percent on imported washers for the next three years, and up to 30 percent on solar cells and modules for the next four years.

Officials and analysts believe the decision will not only risk inflaming tensions with major trade partners, but also distort international trade and jeopardize the hard-won global recovery, which remains fragile.

"For unilateral, protectionist actions that defy WTO rules, China will take appropriate measures to defend its own interest," Gao said.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency