Chinese Ambassador to the U.S.: U.S. tariffs on China are still "excessively high" and should be completely removed; "small courtyards and high walls" cannot contain the blooming flowers outside the walls

Reuters Beijing, June 19 - Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng stated on Wednesday that the current U.S. tariffs on China are still excessively high, severely restricting and harming Sino-U.S. economic and trade exchanges, and should be completely eliminated. He pointed out that a trade deficit does not equate to a loss, and one cannot focus solely on goods trade; the benefits of Sino-U.S. economic and trade exchanges are roughly balanced, and "selective statistics" do not hold water.The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. published Xie Feng's remarks at the annual dinner of the U.S.-China Business Council on Thursday, stating that protectionism is like drinking poison to quench thirst, and "cutting water with a knife only makes it flow more." In today's globalized world, it is unrealistic to artificially sever the flow of capital, technology, and talent; "if you build walls and barriers, they will flow to other places.""A 'small courtyard with high walls' cannot contain the flowers blooming outside, and a 'large courtyard with an iron curtain' will only spur China to accelerate its self-reliance and strength," he said.According to calculations by Reuters based on data from the General Administration of Customs of China, China's exports to the U.S. in May, measured in U.S. dollars, fell by 34.5% year-on-year, marking the second-largest decline in history, second only to the record level reached in February 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, exports to non-U.S. countries increased by 11.5% year-on-year, recording double-digit growth for three consecutive months.Xie Feng also stated that China is willing to import more U.S. goods, but the U.S. strictly restricts the export of advantageous products such as semiconductors and has closed its doors to Chinese enterprises, buyers, tourists, and students who wish to invest and consume in the U.S. "What I want to buy, you don't sell; how can the deficit be resolved relying solely on soybeans and beef?"He emphasized that the two countries must prioritize credibility and action, faithfully implement and maintain the hard-won dialogue results, and further enhance the role of the Sino-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism to increase consensus, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation.He pointed out that China's development is an opportunity for the world, believing that believing in China is believing in tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future. He noted that China's confidence stems from its development momentum, innovative drive, and endogenous power, as well as its development strategy and macro policies.Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently stated during a research visit in Jiangsu that it is necessary to adhere to innovation-driven development, actively utilize technologies such as artificial intelligence and clean energy to promote industrial transformation and upgrading, and seize the commanding heights of future technology and industrial development. At the same time, the Chinese government will increase support and guarantee efforts to create a favorable environment for foreign enterprises to develop deeply in China. (End)(Reported by Liu Xiuhong; Edited by Tian Lanqin)