In response to the start of US section 301 tariffs on USD 34B in Chinese import, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a daily media briefing that “after the United States unfairly raised tariffs against China, China immediately put into effect raised tariffs on some U.S. goods.” Lu also reiterated that “On the specifics of the trade issue, from the start China’s position has been very clear and consistent. The United States at all levels is very clear on China’s position,”
Commenting on the issue, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said in Bulgaria that trade war is “never a solution” and there will be no winner. And, “it benefits no one and it would undermine the multilateral free trade process,” he said. “If one insists on waging a trade war it would hurt others and themselves.”
He reiterated that China is committed to further opening up its markets. But, “if any party resorts to increase of tariffs, china would take measures in response to protect china development interests and safeguard multilateral trade regime and rules.”