In response to escalating trade tensions, China’s State Council Information Office has released a white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations”.

According to the document, the Chinese government aims to clarify the facts surrounding China-US trade ties and to explain its stance on key economic issues. The white paper comes amid growing unilateralism and protectionist policies from the US, which Beijing says have significantly disrupted normal bilateral trade cooperation.

Since the trade friction began in 2018, the United States has imposed tariffs on over $500 billion worth of Chinese exports. The paper highlights recent moves by the US to introduce broad new tariffs, including ones justified under concerns like the fentanyl crisis and so-called “reciprocal tariffs,” along with an additional 50 percent hike on existing duties.

These actions, the white paper argues, reflect isolationist and coercive tendencies and run counter to market economy principles and multilateral norms. Beijing warns that such measures will have serious consequences for bilateral economic ties.

In response, China has implemented its own countermeasures to safeguard national interests, while consistently advocating for dispute resolution through dialogue. The document emphasizes that China remains open to negotiation and has engaged in several rounds of discussions with the US aimed at stabilizing economic relations.

The white paper stresses that China-US trade ties are inherently mutually beneficial and that differences between the two economies — stemming from their distinct stages of development and economic systems — are natural. However, resolving these issues requires mutual respect, especially for each nation’s core interests and major concerns.

Ultimately, China calls for a return to dialogue and cooperation, reaffirming its commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful and constructive engagement.