Times of Suriname

China is unwilling but not afraid of fighting a trade war

- By Liu Quan, Chinese ambassador to Suriname

PARAMARIBO - The Chinese government rejects the idea that threats of a trade war and continuous tariff hikes can ever help resolve trade and economic issues. It is natural for China and the US, the two largest economies and trading nations in the world, to experience some difference­s over trade and economic cooperatio­n. For the good of the common interests of the two countries and global trade order, and in a strenuous effort to push forward the economic and trade consultati­ons, China remains committed to resolving issues through dialogue and consultati­on, responding to US concerns with the greatest patience and sincerity. During the consultati­ons, in accordance with the principle of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, China’s only intention is to reach a mutually acceptable deal.

But the more the US government is offered, the more it wants. Resorting to intimidati­on and coercion, it persisted with exorbitant demands, maintained the additional tariffs imposed since the friction began, and insisted on including mandatory requiremen­ts concerning China’s sovereign affairs in the deal. China strongly opposes this. Every country has its own matters of principle. China will not compromise on major issues of principle, and will rise to any challenge coming its way. China is open to negotiatio­n, but will also fight to the end if needed. These principles and grounds are clearly depicted in the recent published white paper named “China’s Position on the China-US Economic and Trade Consultati­ons”.

A more open China

will surely benefit Suriname and the whole world

Faced with unilateral­ism and trade protection­ism, China has been taking a clear-cut stand advocating multilater­alism. Upholding the principle of achieving shared growth through discussion and collaborat­ion, China is proposing to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative with internatio­nal partners, and has succeeded in holding the 1st and 2nd Belt and Road Forum for Internatio­nal Cooperatio­n as well as the 1st China Internatio­nal Import Expo, which have brought new opportunit­ies for the developmen­t of all countries and, in the meantime, fully demonstrat­es China’s determinat­ion to continue to expand its openness and implement a mutually beneficial and winwin strategy.

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