The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters on the recent announcement by the US of imposing additional tariffs and other restrictive measures against China.

On October 14th, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding recent restrictions imposed by the US on China, including tariffs. The spokesperson stated that recently, China had clarified its position on the US threats to impose 100% tariffs on China. It was reiterated that the export control measures on rare earths and other related items were a legitimate practice by the Chinese government in accordance with laws and regulations to improve its export control system. As a responsible major country, China has always firmly defended its national security and international common security. China's export control measures are not a ban on exports, and applications that comply with regulations will continue to be approved to maintain the security and stability of the global supply chain. Prior to the implementation of these measures, China had already notified the US through bilateral export control dialogue mechanisms. The Ministry of Commerce was asked by a reporter for comments on the recent statement by US officials that they had proposed a conversation with China after learning about China's export control measures on rare earths and related items but that China had delayed the suggestion. At the same time, the US expressed the need for finding a way to return to a stable situation. The spokesperson expressed China's position in response to the US threats of imposing 100% tariffs on China. It was reiterated that the export control measures on rare earths and related items were a legitimate practice by the Chinese government in accordance with laws and regulations to improve its export control system. China is a responsible major country and always firmly defends its national security and international common security. The export control measures are not a ban on exports, and applications that comply with regulations will continue to be approved to maintain the security and stability of the global supply chain. Before the implementation of these measures, China had already notified the US through bilateral export control dialogue mechanisms. On the other hand, the US has long generalized national security and abused export controls, taking discriminatory actions against China. Especially since the continued series of restrictions on China since the US-China Madrid Economic and Trade Talks have seriously harmed China's interests and undermined the atmosphere of economic and trade negotiations between the two sides, which China strongly opposes. Regarding the tariff war and trade war, China's position has always been consistent: we are ready to fight, but also ready to talk. China and the US have a wide range of common interests and extensive cooperation space. Cooperation is mutually beneficial, while conflict is mutually harmful. The past four rounds of economic and trade consultations have fully proven that China and the US, on the basis of mutual respect and equal negotiations, can find ways to solve problems. The two sides have been maintaining communication under the framework of the China-US economic and trade negotiation mechanism, and a working-level meeting was held yesterday. It is important to note that the US cannot simultaneously threaten with new restrictions while seeking to engage in negotiations; this is not the right way to deal with China. China urges the US to correct its wrongdoings, show sincerity in negotiations, cooperate with China, and uphold the important consensus reached in the phone call between the leaders of the two countries. It is crucial to preserve the hard-won achievements of negotiations, continue to play the role of the China-US economic and trade negotiation mechanism, address concerns through dialogue and consultation, properly manage differences, and promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations. This article is selected from the Ministry of Commerce, GMTEight editor: Chen Wenfang.