China does not intend to succumb to pressure from the United States and rejects Trump’s statements that Beijing is supposedly forced to go to negotiations. This was stated by the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Lin Jian.
The diplomat emphasized that China resolutely opens against any actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty, security and law of the country to development.
“The United States is trying to put pressure on China with duties. But China will never succumb to such aggressive behavior,” said Lin Jian.
He noted that Beijing will take firm and decisive response measures to protect his legal rights and interests.
“We will not allow anyone to take his legal right to develop from the Chinese people,” the representative of the Foreign Ministry stressed.
In addition, Lin Jian commented on reports that American business circles urge the Trump administration to soften the position in relation to China and establish a dialogue.
“If the United States is really interested in negotiations with China, they must adhere to the principles of equality and mutual respect,” he said.
Trump: They are forced to agree
On the eve of US President Donald Trump said Truth Social on social networks that China was striving to conclude an agreement with Washington.
“They are forced to agree, but do not even know where to start,” wrote the American leader.
Later, the White House spokeswoman Caroline Livitt clarified that the new duties voiced by Trump will come into force from midnight. She called the possible response of Beijing erroneous.
“When America receives a blow, the President responds even tougher. Therefore, from midnight, duties on Chinese goods in the amount of 104 percent come into force,” said Livitt.
Beijing wants to conclude an agreement, but does not know how to initiate it, ”she added.
On April 2, the head of the White House announced plans to introduce additional duties in the amount of 34 percent of the import of goods from China as part of the Strategy of Mutual Duties.
Beijing quickly responded, saying that if this step was implemented, he would introduce mirror duties in the same volume.
In response, Trump threatened with new measures in case of China’s refusal to cancel return duties. In particular, the United States plans to introduce another package of duties of 50 percent and abandon the planned negotiations with Beijing.
Thus, the total rate of American duties on Chinese imports can reach 104 %.