The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answered reporters' questions regarding the United States coercing other countries to restrict economic and trade cooperation with China through tariff measures

According to the Zhitong Finance APP, on April 21, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce responded to reporters' questions regarding the United States coercing other countries to limit economic and trade cooperation with China through tariff measures. The Ministry of Commerce stated that recently, the United States has been abusing tariffs against all trade partners under the guise of so-called "reciprocity," while also coercing parties to engage in so-called "reciprocal tariff" negotiations. This is a guise for promoting hegemonic politics and implementing unilateral bullying in the economic and trade field. Appeasement does not bring peace, and compromise does not earn respect. Seeking to gain personal benefits at the expense of others' interests in exchange for so-called exemptions is akin to seeking skin from a tiger, ultimately resulting in a loss for both sides, harming others without benefiting oneself.

The original text is as follows:

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce responds to reporters' questions regarding the United States coercing other countries to limit economic and trade cooperation with China through tariff measures

A reporter asked: According to reports from several foreign media, sources revealed that the Trump administration is preparing to pressure other countries in tariff negotiations, requiring them to limit trade with China in exchange for tariff exemptions from the U.S. What is the spokesperson's comment on this?

Response: We have noted the relevant reports. Recently, the United States has been abusing tariffs against all trade partners under the guise of so-called "reciprocity," while also coercing parties to engage in so-called "reciprocal tariff" negotiations. This is a guise for promoting hegemonic politics and implementing unilateral bullying in the economic and trade field. Appeasement does not bring peace, and compromise does not earn respect. Seeking to gain personal benefits at the expense of others' interests in exchange for so-called exemptions is akin to seeking skin from a tiger, ultimately resulting in a loss for both sides, harming others without benefiting oneself.

China respects all parties' efforts to resolve their economic and trade differences with the U.S. through equal consultations. China believes that all parties should stand on the side of fairness and justice regarding the issue of "reciprocal tariffs," should stand on the side of historical correctness, and should defend international economic and trade rules and the multilateral trading system. It should be particularly pointed out that China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests. If such a situation occurs, China will never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.

In the face of unilateralism and protectionism, no one can remain unaffected. Once international trade returns to the "law of the jungle" where the weak are preyed upon by the strong, all countries will become victims. China is willing to strengthen unity and coordination with all parties, work together to respond, jointly resist unilateral bullying actions, safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and defend international fairness and justice.

This article is compiled from the Ministry of Commerce, edited by Chen Wenfang of Zhitong Finance