China firmly opposes trade deals reached at the expense of its interests, Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
In response to a media question about the trade deal between the United States and Vietnam announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, He said China is happy to see countries resolving trade disputes with the United States through equal dialogue.
The spokesperson at the same time underlined that if one side is striking a deal by undermining Chinese interests, China will resolutely take measures to defend itself.
"The imposition of the so-called 'reciprocal tariffs' by the United States on its global trading partners is a typical unilateral and bullying act. China has always firmly opposed it. We have noticed the relevant situation and is assessing the deal. China's position is consistent. We are happy to see all countries resolving economic and trade disputes with the United States through equal-footed consultation, but we firmly oppose any country reaching trade deals by sacrificing China's interests. If this happens, the Chinese side will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," He said.
According to Trump's statements, Vietnam will pay the United States a 20 percent tariff on all exports and a 40 percent tariff on any transshipping, while the United States will be able to sell products into Vietnam at zero tariff.
China opposes deals reached by undermining Chinese interests: spokesperson
China opposes deals reached by undermining Chinese interests: spokesperson
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
