Latest news with #Arria-formulaMeetingontheImpact

Straits Times

Forum: China's doors open if the US wants to talk

Forum: China's doors open if the US wants to talk All eyes have recently been on tariffs, the hottest topic of the day. The United States, by putting its own interests above the common interests of all, has taken tariffs as a convenient weapon to exert maximum pressure and serve its own interests, severely undermining the interests of all countries and leaving the global economic order in tatters. The position of the Chinese government has been clear. We have said from the very beginning that we firmly oppose the unilateral bullying by the US, and that we do not want to fight a tariff war, but neither are we afraid of one. By taking resolute countermeasures and chairing the UN Security Council Arria-formula Meeting on the Impact of Unilateralism and Bullying Practices on International Relations, China wants to not only safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests, but also, more importantly, uphold international rules, order, fairness and justice. Countries are falling prey to the US' bullying and hegemonic moves because their legitimate interests have been sacrificed. No compromise or concession can stop the US from its current course, but will instead only encourage it to double down on its efforts. The 90-day postponement on the 'reciprocal tariffs' on some countries sounds like a 90-day reprieve, but countries must be prepared because the US will take further stronger measures if its tariffs fail to deliver what it wants. By opposing the US' unilateral bullying, China wants to make sure that the voices of smaller countries can be heeded. Recently, senior US officials have repeatedly expressed and conveyed through relevant parties to China their willingness to negotiate with China on tariffs. China is evaluating the US offer. Our position is very clear. This tariff war was unilaterally launched by the US. We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open to talks, if the US truly wants to talk. But the US needs to immediately stop its threats and blackmail, and engage in dialogue with China on an equal, respectful and mutually beneficial basis. Cao Zhongming Chinese Ambassador to Singapore More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.