On Trump’s tariffs threat, China says common interests with US outweigh differences

ISTANBUL

China on Friday said common interests with US outweigh differences, following President Donald Trump’s tariff threat against Beijing.

The US president said in an interview that tariffs are a “tremendous power” to use against China "but he wouldn’t prefer to use them".

“Although there are differences and frictions between the two countries, the common interests and potential for cooperation are vast, and both sides can strengthen dialogue and consultation based on this foundation,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told reporters in Beijing.

Separately, Trump criticized "massive deficits” with Beijing and said Washington wants a “level playing field,” emphasizing US’ “massive deficits” on trade with Beijing, US’ second largest trade partner.

“It’s just an unfair relationship and we have to make it just fair,” Trump told Davos Summit, addressing China. “We don’t have to make it phenomenal. We have to make it a fair relationship. Right now, it’s not a fair relationship.”

However, Mao said the China-US economic and trade cooperation "is mutually beneficial, and China does not intentionally pursue a trade surplus."

Trump also said Washington is eager for “doing very well with China and getting along,” adding that he likes Chinese President Xi Jinping “very much” and “always had a very good relationship” with him.

Earlier, Trump had said that his administration was planning a %10 tariff on Chinese imports from Feb. 1.