Q: Reports say that the US President has instructed the Office of the US Trade Representative to consider slapping an extra $100 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods. What is your comment?

A: We have noted the relevant statement from the US side. The Spokesperson of the Commerce Ministry has already made a response. I would like to reiterate that China's position on the issue of China-US trade relations has been explained clear enough. We are definitely not afraid of a trade war even though we do not seek one.

We have heard what the US has said publicly about imposing tariffs, and we will also monitor what moves it will take. If the United States disregards the objections of China and the international community and persists in unilateralism and trade protectionism, the Chinese side will follow through to the end and fight back resolutely. We will take new comprehensive countermeasure to resolutely safeguard the interests of our nation and our people at whatever cost.

By provoking a trade conflict with China, the US side in fact mounted a challenge to the world multilateralism and free trade regime with its unilateralism and protectionism. China will continue with its efforts to deepen reform and opening-up, safeguard the multilateral trading system, and promote liberalization and facilitation of global trade and investment.