China MOFA Briefing - 5 February 2025

(5 Feb 2025)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Beijing - 05 February 2025
Spokesman: Lin Jian
Duration: 6'45
STORYLINE:
1. US President Donald Trump said he is in no hurry to speak with Chinese leader Xi Jinping over the tariff issue. Is Xi planning to talk with Trump?
China has noticed relevant reports. When the two heads of state had a phone call on January 17, China had already stated its principles and position, and the two sides had reached a principled consensus on mutually beneficial cooperation. What is needed now is not imposing additional tariffs unilaterally, but dialogue and consultation on an equal footing and with mutual respect.
2. Does China feel the U.S. will act in good faith moving forward over the trade?
The US has imposed a 10% additional tariff on Chinese goods on the grounds of fentanyl. China is strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it. The measures China has taken are necessary to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and pressure and threats will not work against China. China urges the U.S. to correct its wrong practices, resolve respective concerns through equal consultation, and promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations.
3. Will China do more to curb fentanyl export since Trump slapped tariffs on China on the grounds of fentanyl?
The US, in disregard of the fruitful results of China-US antinarcotic cooperation, insisted on imposing a 10% additional tariff on Chinese goods exported to the US on the grounds of the fentanyl issue. China has expressed firm opposition and dissatisfaction over the decision and has taken necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests. Shifting the blame will not solve the problem. There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars, and pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China. Reducing domestic drug demand and strengthening law enforcement cooperation are the fundamental solutions to the fentanyl crisis in the U.S. China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
4. Do you have any comments on Trump saying the US will take over the Gaza Strip?
China has always believed that “Palestinians governing Palestine” is the basic principle of post-war governance of Gaza. We oppose the forced relocation of people in Gaza and hope that relevant parties will take the ceasefire and post-war governance in Gaza as an opportunity to push the Palestinian issue back to the right track of a political settlement based on the two-state solution and achieve lasting peace in the Middle East.
5. Panama is considering canceling an operating agreement with a Hong Kong company at a port near the Panama Canal. What is your comment on this?
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has responded to the issue of a Hong Kong company operating a port near the Panama Canal. Panama is known as a hub for international investment, renowned for its good rule of law and transparent business environment. We believe it will provide a fair and just environment for enterprises from all countries and regions, including those from the HKSAR.
6. Panama announced that it will not renew the Belt and Road agreement with China after Trump threatened to reclaim the ownership of the Panama Canal for alleged China’s control and influence over the canal that violated its international neutrality. Do you have any comments on this?
7. The US Postal Service announced Tuesday that it had temporarily stopped accepting packages from China and Hong Kong. Do you have any comments?
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