CCTV: On April 2 EST, the U.S. issued an executive order announcing that it will impose "reciprocal tariffs" on its major trading partners, including 34-percent tariffs on China (including Hong Kong and Macau). What’s China’s comment?

Guo Jiakun: The U.S. announced tariff hikes on imports from many countries, including China, under the pretext of reciprocity. This gravely violates WTO rules, and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system. China firmly rejects this and will do what is necessary to defend our legitimate rights and interests.

We have emphasized more than once that trade and tariff wars have no winners. Protectionism leads nowhere. We urge the U.S. to stop doing the wrong thing, and resolve trade differences with China and other countries through consultation with equality, respect and mutual benefit.

Bloomberg: On the tariff issue. Can you elaborate a little bit? Does China plan to negotiate with the U.S. side ahead of April 9? Is there a possibility to negotiate on the tariffs? With the latest actions, do you consider China to be the top target of President Trump under this tariff situation? Just one last point, if you will, do you see this as an opportunity in some way to come together with other blocs, whether it be ASEAN or EU, to try to perhaps discuss a common approach to U.S. tariffs?

Guo Jiakun: As I just said, trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism will lead nowhere. The U.S. needs to correct its wrongdoings and resolve trade disputes with countries, including China, through consultation with equality, respect and mutual benefit.

Let me stress that the U.S.’s unilateral tariff hikes violate WTO rules, undermine the common interests of people of all countries, and do no help to solving its own problem. It is clear that more and more countries have come to stand against the U.S.’s tariff hikes and other unilateral bullying moves.

(Source: Chinese Foreign Ministry Website)