China would like to avoid fighting the trade war, which was provoked by the US. However, to safeguard the interests of the country and its people, China has to fight the war when it is necessary, said Gao Feng, spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce, on Thursday.
Gao made the remarks at a press conference when asked if China will slap new tariffs on some US goods after the US implements tariffs on 34 billion US dollars’ worth of Chinese imports on July 6.
"China will not fire the first shot, but if the US takes these actions, we will take all necessary measures to retaliate. For other countries, they understand and support China's stance. China will work with other countries to oppose the unilateralism and protectionism, in order to protect the interests of people around the world," Gao added.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said at Thursday’s news briefing that a trade war will impact the global economy as people from all countries will get harmed, including US industries and people. He said China did not provoke a trade war, and the US is very clear about China’s position on trade issues.
China’s tariffs on the part of goods imported from the US will be effective immediately after the US implements its tariff measures on China, China's General Administration of Customs said on Thursday.
