China said on Tuesday it looked forward to cooperating with the United States to resolve trade issues as President Donald Trump began his second term after threatening to impose scathing tariffs on the Asian giant.
Beijing is “willing to strengthen dialogue and communication with the United States, properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial cooperation,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said in response to a question about possible new taxes under Trump. .
“The United States is expected to work with China to jointly promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” Guo said at a regular press briefing in Beijing.
He acknowledged “differences and friction” between Beijing and Washington, but said “the common interests and space for cooperation between the two countries are enormous.”
“The two sides can strengthen dialogue and consultation in this regard,” he added.
China and the United States are the world’s two largest economies, but they have had a tumultuous trading relationship in recent years.
Trump imposed tariffs on imports from China during his first term, citing alleged unfair practices by Beijing.
His successor, Joe Biden, kept up the pressure with sweeping rules aimed at restricting Chinese access to high-tech chips.
And Trump threatened to go even further during his election campaign, promising even higher tariffs if he won another term.
China’s economy remains heavily reliant on exports to drive growth despite official efforts to boost domestic consumption.
Asked about the future of Chinese-owned app TikTok, which has been granted a 75-day grace period but may still be banned from operating in the United States, Guo said Beijing hoped Washington would provide a fair business environment for Chinese companies.
He also responded to Trump’s order to reinstate Cuba to a list of state sponsors of terrorism, days after Biden removed the island nation from the registry.
China and Cuba are long-time socialist allies, and Beijing has consistently opposed Washington’s economic blockade against Havana for decades.
Guo said Cuba’s reinstatement to the list “fully reveals the hegemonic, arrogant and intimidating face of the United States.”
“In a few days, Cuba left the so-called list and then was back on it, as if it were an insignificant matter,” Guo said, adding that the move casts doubt on Washington’s “credibility.”
China vows to support World Health Organization after US withdrawal
China also pledged to support the World Health Organization after President Donald Trump signed an executive order ordering the United States to withdraw from the body, which he criticized for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The role of the WHO should only be strengthened, not weakened,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun, adding: “China, as always, will support the WHO in fulfilling its responsibilities… and will work to build a shared community of health for humanity. . “
President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a body he has repeatedly criticized for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the White House hours after his inauguration, Trump said the United States was paying much more to the UN body compared to China, adding: “World Health ripped us off.”
The United States, the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, provides substantial financial support that is vital to WHO operations. His withdrawal is expected to trigger a significant restructuring of the institution and could further disrupt global health initiatives.
This is the second time Trump has attempted to sever ties with the WHO. During his first term, the United States issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the organization of being too influenced by China during the early stages of the pandemic.
That measure was later reversed under the administration of former President Joe Biden.
In his new executive order, Trump directed the agencies to “stop the future transfer of any funds, support, or resources from the United States government to the WHO” and “identify credible and transparent U.S. and international partners to take on necessary activities previously undertaken.” by the WHO”. WHO.”
