China says mutual respect key to open dialogue with US

BEIJING: China's Ministry of Commerce on Thursday (May 8) reiterated the country's stance on international trade negotiations with the U.S., emphasising that while the door remains open for dialogue, any discussions must be grounded in mutual respect, equal consultation, and reciprocity.

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"China will firmly safeguard its own development interests and adhere to the position and goal of defending international fairness and justice and maintaining the international economic and trade order", China's Ministry of commerce spokesperson He Yadong said, during a regular news conference.

The U.S. announced on Tuesday (May 6) U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with China's top economic official on Saturday (May 10) in Switzerland, marking an initial step in potential negotiations over a blistering trade war.

Beijing had adopted fiery rhetoric as tensions with Washington ratcheted up, repeatedly saying it would not engage in negotiations unless the U.S. withdrew its tariffs. Its Commerce Ministry had suggested it was the U.S. side that had signaled a desire to hold talks.