- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Beijing: Trade War With US 'to Bring Disaster to the Whole World'

© REUTERS / Hyungwon KangThe People's Republic of China flag and the U.S. Stars and Stripes fly along Pennsylvania Avenue near the US Capitol during Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit in Washington, DC, US on January 18, 2011.
The People's Republic of China flag and the U.S. Stars and Stripes fly along Pennsylvania Avenue near the US Capitol during Chinese President Hu Jintao's state visit in Washington, DC, US on January 18, 2011. - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Responding to US President Donald Trump's push to increase tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, Chinese Commerce Minister Zhong Shan has pledged to tackle possible trade war-related challenges and uphold the interests of ordinary people in China.

Speaking at a briefing on the sidelines of China's annual parliamentary session, the country's Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan has warned that there would be "no winners" in a trade war between Beijing and Washington.

"It would bring disaster to our two countries as well as the rest of the world," he pointed out.

At the same time, Zhong signaled Beijing's readiness to uphold China's national interests.

READ MORE: US-China Trade War Fears Grow: 'It Would Mean Slower Growth in Both Countries'

"China does not wish to fight a trade war, nor will China initiate a trade war, but we can handle any challenge and will resolutely defend the interests of our country and our people," he said.

The statement came a few days after US President Donald Trump's announcement that he would raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports by 25 and 10 percent, respectively.

US President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One upon return to Andrews Air Force in Maryland on January 18, 2018 - Sputnik International
World
Trump's Tariffs Plan Could Lead to Deep Global Recession - WTO
This is expected to affect China, which remains the world's largest steel producer and a leading aluminum exporter.

Trade tensions between the US and China have been simmering since Trump's election campaign in 2016, when he accused Beijing of currency manipulation and proposed raising the issue of its commitment to the rules of the World Trade Organization.

Trump also promised to slap a 45-percent tariff on cheap imports from China, which he said add significantly to unemployment in the United States.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала