Beijing emphasizes mutual respect on US trade tensions

China called yesterday for the United States to show "mutual respect" in managing commercial tensions after President Donald Trump said a trade deal with Beijing was "possible."

Trump has threatened sweeping tariffs on allies and adversaries alike, including China, in the month since he took office.

Beijing's foreign ministry said the two countries "should resolve their concerns through dialogue and consultation based on equality and mutual respect."

The ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun added: "Trade and tariff wars have no winners and only serve to damage the interests of people all over the world."

At the beginning of February, Trump imposed additional customs duties of 10 percent on all products imported from China.

He has also signed executive orders imposing new 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminium, due to come into effect next month.

Agence France-Presse