Guo Jiakun, spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, said that Beijing seeks a reciprocal trade relationship with the United States, emphasizing communication and mutual benefit. This statement was made during a press conference.
"Let me stress that China's position on the economic and trade issue is consistent and clear," said Jiakun. "We hope that the U.S. will work with China to act on the important common understandings reached by the two presidents during the phone call, make good use of the consultation mechanism, have more consensus and cooperation and less misperception through communication and dialogue on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, and promote the steady, sound and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations."
Heading into trade talks with the U.S. in Stockholm on July 28 and 29, Beijing aimed to establish "reciprocity" in trade between the two nations, as reported by Macau Business. U.S. officials, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, met with a Chinese delegation headed by Vice Premier He Lifeng. The discussions focused on the 90-day tariff truce implemented in May, which is set to expire on August 12.
According to a fact sheet released by the White House, President Trump intends to use tariffs to bolster the U.S. economy. It states that China's "non-market policies and practices" have allowed it to achieve global dominance in certain manufacturing industries, contributing to a growing trade deficit and job losses in those sectors within the U.S. The fact sheet references a report from the U.S. International Trade Commission indicating that imposing tariffs on goods imported from China has resulted in reduced imports and increased domestic production.
Randall Schriver, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, expressed his views on an episode of the China Desk podcast regarding U.S.-China relations. Schriver said he believes that reciprocity should be pursued and suggested that "in cases where we are struggling to even close the gap on reciprocity," there should be a reconsideration of openness towards China.
Guo was appointed in January as the 35th spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, according to China.org.
