A Chinese commerce ministry spokesman urged on Thursday the U.S. to heed the rational appeals from both domestic and international stakeholders and completely lift all unilateral tariffs imposed on China.
Spokesman He Yadong commented during a regular press conference in Beijing after the U.S. suggested that trade tensions between the world's two largest economies could soon ease, with a "substantial" drop in tariffs on Chinese goods.
"The U.S. abuse of tariffs violates basic economic principles and market laws. Not only does it fail to address America's own problems, but it also severely disrupts the international trade order, hinders normal business operations, and negatively impacts consumers' daily lives, drawing strong backlash from both the international community and within the U.S. itself," said He.
He urged the U.S. to take the initiative in repairing trade ties.
"It takes the one who tied the bell to untie it. The unilateral imposition of tariffs was initiated by the U.S. If the U.S. truly seeks a resolution, it should listen to the rational voices from the international community and within its own borders, completely abolish all unilateral tariffs against China, and engage in equal dialogue to ultimately resolve the differences," the spokesman added.
US urged to scrap all unilateral tariffs against China: spokesman
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.
At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.
Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.
The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.
Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.
Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.
Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.
Iran swears to counterattack if attacked
