In response to recent comments by U.S.
officials regarding ongoing negotiations with certain economies over "reciprocal tariffs," a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson issued a statement on Saturday emphasizing China's firm stance on defending multilateralism and opposing unilateral trade measures.According to media reports, U.S.
authorities have indicated progress in negotiations with relevant economies and expressed hope to reach trade agreements with some partners before the 90-day suspension period for the proposed tariffs ends on July 9.
For countries without an agreement in place, the U.S.
may impose tariffs unilaterally.The Chinese spokesperson condemned the U.S.
approach as "a typical act of unilateral bullying" that has "seriously disrupted the multilateral trading system and undermined the normal order of international trade."The spokesperson reiterated China's consistent opposition to such practices, stressing that "only by firmly upholding principled positions can countries truly safeguard their legitimate rights and interests."China supports resolving trade disputes through equal-footed dialogue and welcomes efforts by all parties to seek constructive solutions, the spokesperson stressed, adding, "At the same time, China calls on the international community to stand on the side of fairness and justice, uphold the correct course of history, and jointly defend international economic and trade rules along with the multilateral trading system."The spokesperson also made it clear that China "resolutely opposes any party securing tariff exemptions at the expense of Chinese interests." If such scenarios occur, the spokesperson warned that China "will not accept it and will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights."