U.S. President Donald Trump noted that he is discussing plans to impose an additional 10% tariff on China starting next month, to which China responded, "There are no winners in a trade war."
Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said during a briefing on the 22nd, "We have expressed China's position on this issue multiple times," and "We have always believed that there are no winners in a trade war and tariff war, and China has consistently staunchly defended its national interests."
When asked by reporters whether negotiations regarding the 10% tariff are in progress, the spokesperson said, "We are willing to maintain communication with the United States while appropriately handling differences, expanding mutually beneficial cooperation, and promoting stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations."
Trump stated on the 21st (local time), "We are discussing imposing a 10% tariff based on the fact that China is sending fentanyl (also known as 'zombie drug') to Mexico and Canada," adding, "The timing for imposition is likely to be February 1," indicating that he aims to realize what he announced shortly after his victory in last November's election.
In addition to this, Trump also pledged during the election period to impose tariffs of 10% to 20% on all imported goods and a high tariff of 60% on all Chinese imports.