China Publishes White Paper on China-US Economic and Trade Relations: Criticizes US Unilateral Policy, Urges Dialogue to Resolve Disputes

On April 9, 2025, China's State Council Information Office released a white paper titled "China's Stance on Various Issues in China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations," criticizing the United States for its unilateral and protectionist measures, accusing it of violating international trade rules and disrupting the economic and trade relations between China and the U.S. China reiterated that the economic and trade relations between China and the U.S. are mutually beneficial and urged the U.S. to resolve differences through dialogue on equal terms, and stated that if the U.S. escalates its restrictive measures, China will respond with countermeasures.

Six Themes of the White Paper: From the Nature of Cooperation to a Call for Dialogue

Apart from the preface and conclusion, the white paper is divided into six sections:

1. The Nature of China-US Economic and Trade Relations is Mutually Beneficial;
2. China has Earnestly Fulfilled the First Phase of the China-US Economic and Trade Agreement;
3. The US Violates Obligations Related to the First Phase of the China-US Economic and Trade Agreement;
4. China Practices the Concept of Free Trade and Abides by World Trade Organization Rules;
5. Unilateralism and Protectionism Harm the Development of Bilateral Economic and Trade Relations;
6. China and the US Can Resolve Economic and Trade Differences Through Equal Dialogue and Mutually Beneficial Cooperation.

The document points out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the US in 1979, bilateral trade volume has grown from less than $2.5 billion to nearly $688.3 billion in 2024, demonstrating the significant importance of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries for the well-being of their peoples and global economic stability.

Criticism of US Policies: Unilateralism and Economic Bullying

The white paper severely criticizes recent US trade policies. China points out that since the outbreak of China-US economic and trade frictions in 2018, the US has imposed high tariffs on over $500 billion worth of Chinese exports to the US and has continuously introduced policies to contain and suppress China. Recently, the US has imposed "reciprocal tariffs" on Chinese products under the pretext of the fentanyl issue, further increasing them to 50%, while also implementing Section 301 investigations and port fee restrictions on China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries.

The white paper describes these measures as "a series of mistakes," criticizing them for "once again exposing the typical nature of US unilateralism and bullying," violating market economy principles, running counter to multilateralism, and causing severe impacts on China-US economic and trade relations.

China's Position: Reluctant to Engage in a Trade War, but Will Not Stand By as Rights Are Infringed

The white paper clearly states that China is reluctant to engage in a trade war and has always advocated resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation. However, if the US insists on escalating economic and trade restrictions, China will take firm countermeasures. A relevant official from the Ministry of Commerce emphasized, "The Chinese government will never stand by while the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese people are harmed and deprived," and stated that China has "firm resolve and abundant means" and will "stand firm until the end."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian also pointed out that the US's abuse of tariffs and disruption of the global economic order is a typical act of economic bullying, and called on the US to "stop economic and trade suppression against China and properly resolve differences with China on the basis of mutual respect through equal dialogue."

Reaffirming the Principles of Mutual Benefit and Dialogue Cooperation

The white paper reaffirms that as two major countries with different stages of development and economic systems, it is normal for China and the US to have differences and frictions in economic and trade cooperation. The key is to respect each other's core interests and major concerns and seek proper solutions through dialogue and consultation.

The document emphasizes, "There are no winners in a trade war, and protectionism has no way out. The success of both China and the US presents opportunities rather than threats to each other." China hopes that the US will move in the same direction as China, following the direction indicated by the phone call between the two heads of state, adhering to the principles of "mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation," and promoting the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations.

China Emphasizes Compliance with International Rules and Fulfillment of Commitments

The white paper points out that China has always practiced the concept of free trade, earnestly adhering to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the first phase of the China-US economic and trade agreement. China continues to advance reforms in areas such as intellectual property protection, prohibition of forced technology transfer, and expanding market access, while maintaining practical communication with the US.

At the same time, the white paper criticizes the US for violating the obligations of the first phase agreement, abusing the concept of national security, excessively using export controls, and imposing "reciprocal tariffs," severely undermining the stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

Calling on the US to Show Sincerity and Return to the Path of Constructive Dialogue

The white paper finally calls on the US to abandon unilateralism and protectionism and show sincerity in conducting equal dialogue with China. China expresses its willingness to communicate and consult with the US on important issues in the economic and trade field, but the premise is that it is based on equality, respect, and reciprocity.

As the white paper states, "History has proven that cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation leads to mutual harm." China aims to foster stability and confidence in both the Chinese and US economies, as well as the global economy, through dialogue and cooperation.

References

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• 【國際新聞】特朗普威脅對華加徵50%關稅 中方批單邊霸凌將奉陪到底 - KTSF.com
• 中美貿易戰：104%對華關稅生效 中美對峙誰先「認慫」？ - BBC News 中文
• Full text: China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations
• China refuses to bow to US 'bullying'; issues white paper stating 'willing to talk but won't tolerate...' - World News | The Financial Express
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