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China, U.S. hold candid, in-depth, constructive talks on economic, trade issues

China

China

China

China, U.S. hold candid, in-depth, constructive talks on economic, trade issues

2026-03-17 02:00 Last Updated At:06:27

The Chinese and U.S. delegations held candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges and consultations in Paris from Sunday to Monday on economic and trade issues of mutual concern, including tariff arrangements, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and maintaining existing consultation consensus.

During the talks, which are guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, the two sides reached some new consensus and agreed to continue consultations.

Under the strategic guidance of the important common understandings between the two heads of state, and following five rounds of economic and trade consultations last year, China and the United States have reached a series of outcomes in the economic and trade area, said Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng during the new round of China-U.S. economic and trade talks with U.S. lead person Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

These outcomes have injected greater certainty and stability into bilateral economic and trade relations as well as the global economy, He said.

Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed by the U.S. government under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful, said He, noting that subsequently, the U.S. side levied an additional 10 percent import surcharge on all trading partners under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, and successively introduced a series of negative measures concerning China, including the Section 301 investigations, corporate sanctions and market access restrictions.

China has consistently opposed the unilateral tariffs imposed by the United States, He said, urging Washington to completely remove such tariffs and other restrictive measures.

China will take necessary steps to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, He added.

China expects the United States to move in the same direction, follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, expand areas of cooperation and reduce problems, so as to promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, He said.

The U.S. side said that a stable China-U.S. economic and trade relationship is of great importance to both countries and the world, and helps promote global economic growth, supply chain security and financial stability. Both sides should reduce frictions, avoid escalation of the situation, and resolve differences through consultation.

The two sides agreed to study the establishment of a cooperation mechanism to promote bilateral trade and investment, continue to make good use of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand practical cooperation, and promote the sustained, stable and sound development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

China, U.S. hold candid, in-depth, constructive talks on economic, trade issues

China, U.S. hold candid, in-depth, constructive talks on economic, trade issues

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Monday that the country has not sought a ceasefire with the United States, adding that any end to the conflict must ensure that attacks on Iran are not repeated.

"Let me reiterate that Iran has not signaled or requested a ceasefire. This conflict must end on the condition that it will never be repeated. When we say we do not want a ceasefire, it is not because we seek to continue the war. It is because this time the war must end in a way that the enemies never think of repeating the attacks. I believe they have learned a profound lesson and realized what kind of country they are facing -- a country that will not hesitate to defend its own security and is prepared to continue the war at any cost," Araghchi said at a weekly news conference in Tehran.

Araghchi accused Iran's adversaries of attempting to force the country into "unconditional surrender" after mobilizing their full capabilities. He added that Iran's opponents, more than two weeks into the conflict, were now seeking help from countries they once considered hostile and calling for international assistance to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran, he said, restricts passage only for enemies and their allies involved in the conflict.

Also on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said at a press conference that the U.S. people need to understand that the U.S. government showed no sincerity in previous negotiations with Iran, and that the current situation was caused by the joint military operations launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Baghaei reiterated that Iran is willing to maintain friendly relations with countries in the region, but these countries must understand that their territories should not be used by other nations to attack Iran.

On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior military commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. bases and assets across the Middle East.

Iran denies seeking ceasefire, says war must end without repeat attacks

Iran denies seeking ceasefire, says war must end without repeat attacks

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