China Signals Readiness to Cooperate with EU to Defend International Trade RuleBeijing, 15 Apr (ONA) — China stands ready to work with the
international community, including the European Union, to defend
international trade rules, fairness and justice, a Chinese foreign
ministry spokesperson said.

Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily news briefing when
asked to share more information on the communication and coordination
between China and the EU on additional US tariffs.

The US uses tariff as a weapon to exert maximum pressure and seek
selfish gains, and puts its own interests over the public good of the
international community, Lin said, noting that this is a typical move
of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying, which severely
hurts the interests of China, the EU and the rest of the world.

Lin said that as the second and third largest economies, China and
the EU collectively account for over one third of the global economy
and more than a quarter of global trade, adding that both sides are
advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization, and
firm defenders and supporters of the WTO.

“The head of the EU underscored the vital importance of stability
and certainty for a sound global economy. China and the EU are
committed to a fair, free and WTO-centered multilateral trading
system, and the sound and steady development of global trade and
economic relations, which is in the interest of both sides and the
rest of the world,” Lin said.

As a responsible major country, China has already taken resolute
measures and will continue to do so to safeguard its legitimate
interests, Lin said.

“China stands ready to work with the international community,
including the EU, to step up communication and coordination, share
development opportunities, expand opening up and cooperation, and
achieve mutual benefits. We will not only safeguard respective
interests, but also defend international trade rules, fairness and
justice,” Lin said. — Ends/Khalid