US cannot expect talks to be fruitful while introducing restrictive measures: China Daily editorial

The United States' persistence with its aggressive trade stance, characterized by threats and intimidation, does nothing to resolve the frictions with China. Instead, it risks eroding the foundation of bilateral trade relations.

Even though economic and trade teams from the two sides have engaged in four rounds of candid, in-depth negotiations in the past few months, the US still clings to the practice of saying one thing while doing another and continues to adopt coercive measures targeting China.

Beijing has consistently communicated its stance, intentions and actions through established channels, such as the bilateral export control dialogue mechanism. However, the US administration has continued to overstretch the concept of national security, imposing a seemingly never-ending series of discriminatory measures against China, leaving Beijing with no choice but to take countermeasures.

Despite saying the most recent economic and trade talks in Madrid in September "went well", the US has continued to introduce new restrictions intended to harm China's interests and the atmosphere of bilateral consultations. China was forced to respond when the US significantly expanded its export restrictions that month by placing the subsidiaries of already sanctioned companies from China and elsewhere under the same controls, increasing the number of Chinese companies facing the curbs from "around 3,000 to several thousand more", as CNN reported.

In the latest tit-for-tat exchange, China has hit back with reciprocal countermeasures after the US put into effect additional port fees on China-linked ships in contravention of World Trade Organization rules and the principle of equality and mutual benefit outlined in the China-US Maritime Transport Agreement.

In response, China will charge special port fees on US-linked vessels, effective on Tuesday, in accordance with the Regulations of the People's Republic of China on International Ocean Shipping and other laws and regulations.

The Ministry of Transport also announced the launch of a probe into how the US Section 301 investigation affects the security and development interests of its shipping and shipbuilding sectors, as well as related industries and supply chains, on Tuesday.

China's moves are fully justified and legitimate measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries and enterprises, as Lyu Daliang, a spokesperson for the General Administration of Customs of China, rightly pointed out at a news briefing on Monday.

Yet, despite the frictions, the Ministry of Commerce confirmed the two sides have continued to maintain close communication under the framework of the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism, with the latest working-level talks between Chinese and US officials held on Monday.

It is high time Washington demonstrated sincerity in the negotiating process. Its current approach, characterized by negotiation on one hand and intimidation on the other, is not conducive to fostering healthy bilateral economic and trade ties.

Guided by the consensus reached during the recent telephone conversation between the leaders of the two countries, the US administration should work with Beijing to safeguard the achievements of previous negotiations, and strive to utilize the Sino-US economic and trade consultation mechanism effectively.

As Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian has said, the US intimidatory measures are not a productive way to engage with China. China's position remains consistent and clear: It is always open to dialogue, but it will resolutely defend its interests. The US side should reflect on the past economic and trade consultations, which have demonstrated that differences can be resolved through mutual respect and equal consultation.

The global economy is interconnected, and the actions of the two largest economies will inevitably have far-reaching consequences. It is in the best interests not only of themselves but also the entire world, for China and the US to find a path forward that prioritizes cooperation over conflict.

To promote the sustainable development of Sino-US trade relations, both sides should address the respective concerns of the other through dialogue. They should leverage the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism to resolve their differences and promote a stable, sound, and sustainable trajectory for bilateral ties. That requires the US side to demonstrate respect and sincerity. Only through such an approach can the two countries hope to resolve their trade frictions and contribute positively to global economic stability.