China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao summarized China-U.S. economic and trade relations as mutually beneficial while highlighting the importance of cooperation and dialogue to resolve disputes.
At a press conference in Beijing on Friday, Wang noted that the relations between the two countries since the United States provoked trade friction in 2018 can be summarized in four sentences.
"First, the economic and trade relationship between China and the U.S. has experienced ups and downs over the years, but the two countries remain important partners to each other. A forced 'decoupling' is impossible, because China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation aligns with economic laws and public opinion," said Wang.
"Second, the essence of China-U.S. economic and trade relationship is mutual benefit and win-win, and cooperation is the only correct path. Such trade is what both sides need, and some things are irreplaceable. Or at least they are hard to be substituted in the short term. Overall, the relationship should be characterized by win-win results," he said.
"Third, disputes and frictions in China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation are inevitable. This is a normal state and we must acknowledge it. We believe that dialogue and consultation are the best ways to address these issues. Since May, the Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams have engaged in discussions in Geneva and London, reaching the Geneva consensus and the London framework based on mutual respect, equal consultation and mutual benefit, which has effectively stabilized the bilateral relations. Practice has proved that guided by the consensus reached by the two heads of state during their phone call, China and the U.S. can properly manage disputes, promote the resolution of differences and achieve mutually beneficial and win-win results through equal dialogue and consultation," he said.
"Fourth, China's stance remains consistent -- we will firmly defend our national interests and uphold international fairness and justice. China and the United State both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. There is no winner in a trade war. China does not want to fight such a war, nor is it scared of it," he said.
China, U.S. remain 'important partners' despite trade frictions: commerce minister
China, U.S. remain 'important partners' despite trade frictions: commerce minister
China, U.S. remain 'important partners' despite trade frictions: commerce minister
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
