The Ministry of Commerce Speaks Out! Urging the U.S. to Halt 232 Tariff Measures as Soon as Possible and Release Relevant Information on China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultations in a Timely Manner

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) held a regular press conference this afternoon to introduce relevant information about the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism.

MOFCOM Introduces China-US Economic and Trade Consultation Mechanism

A reporter asked questions about the China-US economic and trade consultation mechanism. He Yongqian, the spokesperson for MOFCOM, stated that China has always maintained an open attitude towards resolving economic and trade concerns through dialogue and communication. Based on the consensus reached during the China-US talks in Geneva, both sides agreed to establish an economic and trade consultation mechanism to maintain communication on their respective concerns in the economic and trade fields. China will release relevant information in due course.

MOFCOM: China and the US Will Maintain Communication on Their Respective Economic and Trade Concerns Based on the Consensus Reached During the China-US Talks in Geneva

A reporter asked about the next steps in the China-US economic and trade talks. He Yongqian, the spokesperson for MOFCOM, said: From May 10 to 11, He Lifeng, the Chinese lead negotiator for economic and trade affairs and Vice Premier of the State Council, held high-level economic and trade talks with Beth Van Scoyoc, the US lead negotiator and US Secretary of the Treasury, and Katherine Tai, the US Trade Representative, in Geneva, Switzerland. Both sides engaged in frank, in-depth, and constructive discussions on implementing the important consensus reached during the phone call between the Chinese and US heads of state on January 17 this year. They reached a series of important consensus, made substantive progress in the talks, and issued the "Joint Statement of the China-US Geneva Economic and Trade Talks." Going forward, China and the US will maintain communication on their respective economic and trade concerns based on the consensus reached during the China-US talks in Geneva.

China Urges the US to Halt 232 Tariff Measures as Soon as Possible

At today's press conference, the spokesperson stated that regarding the US's 232 tariffs on imported automobiles, steel, and aluminum, as well as the initiation of a 232 investigation into imported pharmaceuticals, China believes that the US's actions are typical examples of unilateralism and protectionism. They not only harm the rights and interests of other countries and undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system but also do not benefit the development of the US's own industries. China urges the US to halt the 232 tariff measures as soon as possible and properly resolve the concerns of all parties through equal dialogue.

MOFCOM Responds to the US's Abuse of Export Control Measures to Restrict Huawei's Ascend Chips: Will Take Resolute Measures to Safeguard the Legitimate Rights and Interests of Chinese Enterprises

A recent announcement by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the US Department of Commerce indicates that the use of Huawei's Ascend chips anywhere in the world violates US export controls. On May 15, He Yongqian, the spokesperson for MOFCOM, responded by stating that the US's abuse of export control measures to impose stricter restrictions on Chinese chip products under baseless accusations seriously undermines the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, poses a severe threat to the stability of the global semiconductor production and supply chain, and seriously disrupts market rules and the international economic and trade order. The US's actions are not conducive to the long-term mutually beneficial and sustainable cooperation and development of enterprises from both sides. China urges the United States to immediately correct its wrong practices and will take resolute measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

Ministry of Commerce: All parties to the CK Hutchison Holdings' port sale transaction must not evade review

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stated that since March this year, relevant departments have repeatedly issued statements emphasizing that the CK Hutchison Holdings' port sale transaction will be reviewed in accordance with the law to protect fair market competition and safeguard social and public interests. All parties to the transaction must not evade review in any way, and must not implement concentration before obtaining approval; otherwise, they will bear legal responsibility. It is hoped that relevant enterprises will maintain a clear understanding of this and act prudently.

Ministry of Commerce responds to rare earth export control issues

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce responded to questions regarding China's cancellation or suspension of export controls on rare earths. He Yongqian, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, stated that in light of the United States' decision to withdraw the suspension or adjustment of tariff hikes on China in accordance with the consensus reached at the high-level economic and trade talks between China and the United States, China will correspondingly adjust its tariff and non-tariff countermeasures against the United States.