Foreign Ministry responds to Trump tariff threat, urges reconsideration

Threatening China is not the correct approach to diplomatic relations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Monday, following statements made by US President Donald Trump promising to impose an additional tariff of 100 percent on China.

The US has recently rolled out a series of restrictions and sanctioning measures against China, which have severely harmed China's interests, Lin said at a regular news conference, voicing China's firm opposition.

"Instead of engaging in self-reflection, the US has threatened to impose high tariffs, which is not the right way to deal with China," Lin said.

Lin called on the US side to engage in talks with China to address each other's concerns on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, properly manage differences, and maintain the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations.

"If the US insists on continuing on the wrong course, China will firmly take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," Lin said.