Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng (right) and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Photo: Reuters

The new US administration has taken a series of unreasonable and unilateral tariff measures, which have severely disrupted bilateral economic and trade ties and the international economic and trade order, posing serious challenges to the recovery of the global economy. In order to defend its legitimate rights and interests, China has taken resolute countermeasures, the spokesperson said.

Recently, the US side has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue on tariffs and related issues through multiple channels. After a careful assessment of the U.S. messages, China has decided to engage with the US side, the spokesperson said, adding any negotiations must be based on mutual respect, equality, and reciprocal benefit.