Trade friction with US can be ‘resolved amicably, says Li Keqiang
Amid possible trade war, China reminds Trump of commerce history stretching back to 1784
Disputes with the Trump administration can be settled amicably and a “trade war would benefit nobody”, Premier Li Keqiang said on Wednesday.
Despite Trump’s promises to raise duties on Chinese goods, Li said Beijing has a “stable, optimistic outlook” on trade with the United States.
Li took the unusual step of making an impromptu statement to reporters during an appearance with his French counterpart, Bernard Cazeneuve.
“Let the figures do the talking,” the premier said, citing American jobs supported by Sino-UStrade.
“We have faith that, with mutual respect and on the model of cooperation through equality, issues of trade friction can be resolved amicably,” Li said.
Commerce minister Gao Hucheng said a trade war would disrupt a “win-win” relationship stretching back to 1784, when a US ship first sailed into China’s waters to carry out exchanges of goods.
