China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

China has not reversed its firm opposition to the tariffs imposed by the United States, said a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman on Wednesday ahead of an upcoming high-level economic and trade meeting between the two countries' officials.

Vice Premier He Lifeng, who oversees China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, will meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Switzerland from May 9 to 12.

Commenting on the upcoming meeting at a regular pressing briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated China's position on U.S. tariffs.

"Recently, the U.S. has repeatedly expressed the hope to engage in negotiation with China, and this meeting was scheduled at the request on the U.S. side. China has not changed its position on firmly opposing the tariffs imposed by the U.S. As we have repeatedly emphasized, China holds an open attitude to dialogue, but any dialogue must be conducted on the basis of equal footing, respect and mutual benefit, and any form of pressure tactics and coercion against China will lead to nowhere. China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, as well as international fairness and justice," said Lin.

China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

China's opposition to U.S. tariffs remains unchanged: spokesman

Protesters filled Mexico City's Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday, rallying in solidarity with Venezuela and denouncing U.S. influence in Latin America.

The United States launched a large-scale military operation against Venezuela in the early hours of Jan 3, taking by force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Holding numerous flags and banners while chanting slogans intermittently, a huge crowd of protesters criticized U.S. military actions against Venezuela and the unlawful control over President Maduro and his spouse, calling for respect for national sovereignty and regional peace.

"We oppose the U.S. intervention and hegemony towards the countries in Latin America. The United States has flagrantly trampled on international law, bombed Caracas and kidnapped the Maduro couple. The U.S. interventionism has become extremely blatant. We must firmly oppose and be highly vigilant, because this is not only related to a certain country, but also to all countries," said a protester.

"We demand that the United States stop interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs. The country must immediately cease its exploitation and plundering of the countries in Latin America," said another protester.

Protest erupts in Mexico City over US military operation in Venezuela