Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning responded to a media query about economic and trade talks between China and the United States and future consultation arrangements at a press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
"We have made clear more than once China's position on the tariff and trade issues. I'd refer you to competent authorities for those specific questions," said Mao.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on May 8 at a regular press briefing that China's determination to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests will not change, and its position and goal of defending international fairness and justice and upholding the multilateral trading system will remain unchanged.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, the Chinese lead person for China-U.S. economic and trade affairs, held a high-level meeting with U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 10 to May 11.
The senior Chinese official said at a press briefing following the meeting on May 11 that the two sides have reached a series of major consensuses, adding that China and the United States have also agreed to establish an economic and trade consultation mechanism.
He also called on the two sides to follow a practical attitude for solving problems, carry out candid dialogues and equal consultations, manage differences, explore cooperation potential, extend the list of cooperation list, and make the pie of cooperation bigger, so as to push for new development in China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and inject more certainty and stability into the world economy.
FM spokeswoman on future China-US economic, trade talks
FM spokeswoman on future China-US economic, trade talks
FM spokeswoman on future China-US economic, trade talks
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
