China opposes "small circles" rules disrupting int'l economic, trade order: spokesman

China opposes any country disrupting the international economic and trade order by rules of "small circles," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a daily press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, in response to a related query about the so-called "critical minerals alliance" established by the United States.

"Upholding an open, inclusive and universally beneficial international trade environment is in the common interests of all countries. All parties have the responsibility to play a constructive role in maintaining the stability and security of global production and supply chains of critical minerals. We oppose any country disrupting the international economic and trade order by rules of 'small circles'," Lin said.

China opposes "small circles" rules disrupting int'l economic, trade order: spokesman

China opposes "small circles" rules disrupting int'l economic, trade order: spokesman

China opposes "small circles" rules disrupting int'l economic, trade order: spokesman

The United States' international trade deficit in goods and services was 57.3 billion U.S. dollars in February, up 4.9 percent from January, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce on Thursday.

The country's imports of goods and services increased by 4.3 percent month on month to 372.1 billion U.S. dollars in February, as the surging demand for artificial intelligence and data center construction significantly boosted imports of products such as computers and semiconductors.

U.S. exports of goods and services in February rose by 4.2 percent month on month to 314.8 billion U.S. dollars, mainly driven by increases in exports of non-monetary gold and natural gas.

US trade deficit up 4.9 percent in February