Jung: "Open Communication with New US Economic and Trade Team"

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, who is set to take office in January next year, has announced plans to impose high tariffs on China. In response, the Chinese government has reaffirmed its willingness to communicate with the new U.S. economic and trade team.

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At a regular briefing on the 12th, He Yadong, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, commented on Trump’s nomination of Howard Lutnick, known as a hardliner on China, as Secretary of Commerce. He said, "China maintains close communication with the U.S. Department of Commerce team through the China-U.S. commerce communication and exchange mechanism," and added, "We also have an open attitude toward contact and communication with the new U.S. government’s economic and trade team."

He stated, "China’s position opposing unilateral tariff increases remains consistent," and added, "Based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and mutually beneficial cooperation, China intends to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with the United States, properly manage differences, and promote stability in bilateral economic and trade relations."

Regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ planned vote on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), he said, "There is not a shred of factual basis for the U.S. claim that Chinese information and communication products pose a security risk," and added, "China will take all necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate interests of Chinese companies." This year’s NDAA includes provisions to spend over $3 billion (around 4 to 5 trillion won) to remove manufacturing facilities of Chinese telecommunications equipment companies Huawei and ZTE from U.S. wireless networks.

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