Beijing – Any U.S. trade protectionism move against China will surely damage bilateral economic and trade ties, a Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said in Beijing on Tuesday.
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOC) expressed “grave concerns” about a memorandum signed by U.S. President Donald Trump to direct U.S. trade representative Robert Lighthizer to examine China’s intellectual property practices.
In response, Chunying told a daily news briefing that the MOC had released a statement on the recent U.S. trade protectionism move, expressing three important messages.
“Firstly, we think the U.S. should not become a destroyer of multilateral rules.
“Secondly, any U.S. trade protectionism move against China will surely damage bilateral ties and the interests of companies from both countries.
“Thirdly, if the U.S. fails to respect basic facts and multilateral trade rules, and takes measures that harm bilateral economic and trade relations, China will definitely not sit back but take all appropriate measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,’’ she said.
Chunying said that China’s position on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula remains clear and consistent.
“China is committed to safeguarding the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty, protecting peace and stability on the peninsula, and safeguarding its own security interests.
“China stands ready to play a constructive role in resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through political and peaceful means, and maintaining communication with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect,’’ she said. (Xinhua/NAN)