Regarding trade differences with the United States, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiankun said that both countries have a mutually beneficial relationship. He also considers that despite the frictions, “there are great opportunities for collaboration and areas of common interest.”
The spokesman reiterated Beijing’s commitment to promoting a constructive dialogue with Washington under mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and cooperation to advance toward a stable, healthy, and sustainable trade relationship.
Regarding Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), Guo emphasized that the organization must continue playing a central role in global health governance, with a strengthened and not weakened action. “China will continue to firmly support the WHO in fulfilling its duties, promote international cooperation in public health, and strengthen global health governance,” he said.
Regarding the controversy surrounding TikTok, Guo stressed that decisions on operations and acquisitions should be made following market principles and by the companies themselves. “If they are Chinese companies, they should comply with relevant laws and regulations in China,” he said.
The spokesperson also stressed that Tik Tok has been operating in the United States for some years, has a considerable user base, and contributes positively to employment and consumption within China. “We hope that the United States will listen to the voice of its people and provide an open, fair, equitable, and non-discriminatory business environment for global market players,” he added.
On Trump’s accusations about China’s alleged management of the Panama Canal and the threat to retake control over it, the spokesman reiterated China’s support for Panamanian sovereignty over the infrastructure recognizing the canal as a permanently neutral international waterway.
Asked about the possibility of lifting the sanctions in force in China against the new Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Beijing said it would firmly defend its national interests, but that high-level authorities between the two nations should communicate properly.
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