The Chinese government has warned against trade deals that “hurt third parties.”
This came after US President, Donald Trump said yesterday that he had reached an agreement with Vietnam.
Speaking at a news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning said that China has always advocated that all parties resolve economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and consultation. “At the same time, relevant negotiations and agreements should not target or harm the interests of third parties,” she said.
Shares in clothing firms and sports equipment producers, which have a large footprint in Vietnam, rose on news of the deal, but later fell sharply after Trump said that the US would place a 20 percent tariff on many Vietnamese exports and a 40 percent one on transshipments through Vietnam from third countries.
Separately, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said that China has noted the trade deal and is conducting an assessment.
Spokesperson He Yongqian told reporters that the US imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on its trade partners is a typical act of unilateral bullying, a practice China has consistently opposed.
“China’s position is consistent. We are happy to see all parties resolve economic and trade differences with the United States through equal consultations, but we firmly oppose any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests.
“If such a situation were to occur, China would resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its own interests.”
He Yonggian
She added that she had no information on claims of US officials drawing up plans for Trump to visit China later this year with a delegation of dozens of CEOs, but noted that China’s attitude is consistent and clear.
“It’s hoped the US will meet China halfway, and under the strategic guidance of the heads of the state of the two countries, adhere to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, continuously enhance mutual understanding, reduce misunderstandings, strengthen cooperation, and jointly promote the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations.”
He Yongqian
US Urged To Abide By One-China Principle
Moreover, Mao Ning, the Chinese foreign ministry Spokesperson stated that China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle.
The Spokesperson made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on the adoption of the so-called “Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act” by the US House of Representatives, requiring the US government to support China’s Taiwan region in joining the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Mao stressed that there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.
She stressed that the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China.
“Taiwan has no basis, reason or right to participate in the United Nations or other international organizations, whose membership is confined to sovereign states.
“China urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiqués, observe the international law and the basic norms governing international relations, stop advancing the so-called Taiwan-related act, stop using the Taiwan question to interfere in China’s internal affairs, and stop sending wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces.”
Mao Ning
Additionally, she noted that China firmly supports establishing a Southeast Asia nuclear weapon free zone and has made clear its willingness to take the lead in signing the treaty. “We stand ready to stay in communication with ASEAN countries on this matter,” Mao Ning told a regular press conference.
Malaysia said yesterday that China and Russia have agreed to become signatories to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ), while the US is currently reviewing the treaty before signing.
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