China Refutes U.S. ‘Rip-Off’ Claims, Urges End to Trade War
China has hit back at U.S. allegations that its economic ties with the United States are a “rip-off,” calling for an end to the ongoing trade war. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed the claims, emphasizing that the trade relationship benefits both nations.
Mao Ning responded to remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who recently asserted that China’s economy heavily relies on exports and called for “fair and reciprocal” trade relations. Mao countered these statements, highlighting that the current trade dynamics are a result of market forces influenced by both countries’ economic structures, trade policies, and the strength of the U.S. dollar.
“Labeling our economic ties as a ‘rip-off’ and demanding absolute reciprocity defies basic economic logic,” Mao stated. “Such views underestimate the judgment of U.S. companies and consumers.”
She pointed out that China does not seek a trade surplus and that the United States has significantly benefited from the trade relationship. “Exports from U.S. companies operating in China are counted as part of China’s trade surplus. The affordable, high-quality products China exports to the United States have boosted U.S. consumers’ purchasing power and created numerous jobs, especially in sectors like transportation, wholesale, retail, and e-commerce,” Mao explained.
Mao also noted that the United States maintains a substantial surplus in trade in services with China. “If one side had been ripping off the other, our economic ties wouldn’t have developed to this extent,” she added.
Reflecting on the trade war initiated by the United States, Mao observed that it hasn’t reduced the U.S. trade deficit, which reached $918.4 billion last year. “Trade wars and tariffs end up hurting others before they come back to hurt those who started them,” she warned. “It’s time for the United States to learn its lesson and end this wrongful practice.”
The Chinese spokesperson’s remarks underscore the importance of cooperation and mutual benefit in international trade, urging both nations to move past economic tensions for the betterment of global markets.
