(June 2019)
The State Council Information Office of
The People’s Republic of China
Preface
The China-US commercial relationship serves as both the ballast and the propeller of the
overall bilateral relationship. At stake are the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and the
prosperity and stability of the world. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between
China and the US, bilateral trade and economic relations have come a long way, with expanding
fields of cooperation at higher levels. A mutually beneficial and win-win relationship with strong
complementarity and interlinked interests has been forged, benefiting not only the two countries
but also the entire world.
Given the differences in stage of development and economic system, it is inevitable that the
two countries will experience differences and friction in their commercial cooperation. The history
of China-US trade and economic relations has seen twists and turns and difficult situations. By
adopting a rational and cooperative attitude, the two countries have managed to resolve previous
conflicts, bridge differences, and render the bilateral commercial relationship more mature through
dialogue and consultation.
Since it took office in 2017, the new US administration has threatened additional tariffs and
other measures and provoked frequent economic and trade friction with its major trading partners.
In response to the economic and trade friction unilaterally initiated by the US since March 2018,
China has had to take forceful measures to defend the interests of the nation and its people. At the
same time, committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation, China has engaged
in multiple rounds of economic and trade consultations with the US in an effort to stabilize the
bilateral commercial relationship. China’s position has been consistent and clear – that cooperation
serves the interests of the two countries, that conflict can only hurt both, and that cooperation is
the only correct choice for both sides. Concerning their differences and frictions on the economic
and trade front, China is willing to work together with the US to find solutions, and to reach a mutually
beneficial and win-win agreement. However, cooperation has to be based on principles. There are
bottom lines in consultations. China will not compromise on major issues of principle. China does
not want a trade war, but it is not afraid of one and it will fight one if necessary. China’s position
on this has never changed.
To provide a comprehensive picture of the China and US economic and trade consultations,
and present China's policy position on these consultations, the Chinese government hereby issues
this White Paper.
