DIALOGUE and consultations based on equality, sincerity and mutual respect are the only viable way out from the current China-US trade friction, a foreign ministry spokesman said yesterday.To get more chinese finance news, you can visit shine news official website.

After Washington announced its latest tariff offensive against China, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told media that their intention was to have a constructive dialogue with China. As to when and whether the two sides would hold such dialogue is up to China.

In response, spokesman Geng Shuang said at a daily news briefing that sending out talks invitations on one hand, while on the other hand keeping up maximum pressure has become a routine US trick, which China has seen clearly and taken on calmly.

“Not long ago, China received an invitation from the US to hold trade negotiations, and the two sides had been in discussion about the details,” Geng said. “However, the US on Tuesday announced additional tariffs to be levied on US$200 billion worth of Chinese goods, and threatened to adopt further tariff escalation measures.”

Geng also mentioned two similar cases that occurred in June and August. “Threats, intimidation and blackmail against China are useless,” the spokesman said, adding that China would continue to steadfastly advance reform and opening-up in line with its own timetable and roadmap while continuing to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

“The essence of China-US trade cooperation is mutual benefit,” he said, adding that it is not terrible if there are differences, while dialogue and negotiations based on equality, sincerity and mutual respect are the only correct way to resolve China-US trade issues. “We hope the US side will demonstrate goodwill and sincerity.”