Phoenix TV:

It's reported China has rejected the American request for negotiations; so, what is your comment on this? In addition, under what circumstances is China willing to resume high-level trade negotiations? When is the soonest this might start? Thank you.

Wang Shouwen:

Thank you for your questions. The timing of when to resume high-level economic and trade negotiations is entirely up to the United States. China has kept the door open to negotiations to address economic and trade differences; however, negotiations can only work when there is equality and mutual respect. The United States has now imposed such large-scale trade restrictions, so, how can negotiations proceed when there is a knife being held to one's neck? That is not an equal negotiation.

Second, it requires good faith and credibility to conduct negotiations. There have been four rounds of high-level negotiations between China and the United States. The two sides reached much consensus, and even issued a joint statement. However, the United States has gone back on its words, reneged on the consensus achieved, and imposed trade restrictions, making negotiations hard to proceed. Therefore, I would like to highlight that, as long as there is good faith, equality and credibility, there will be a way out through negotiations. Thank you.