It is a Chinese tradition to value reciprocal courtesy in social activities, and even in times of war, peaceful means are prioritized over force.

In respond to China-U.S. trade friction, China has been exercising maximum patience and stating its earnest sincerity in preparation for talks and negotiations. Even after the U.S. inflicted maximum pressure, announcing it will impose additional tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods on May 10, China sent a delegation to the U.S. to conduct the 11th round of high-level consultations, demonstrating its good faith efforts to address problems through talks until the last minute.

The U.S. move has directly escalated trade and economic friction between the two countries and forced China to take countermeasures to adjust its tariffs on some U.S. imported goods. Meanwhile, China still expects the U.S. to get back on the right track of economic and trade talks, take part in joint efforts and move forward together. China would like to continue the negotiations based on equality and mutual respect.

A country of moral integrity has its own moral creed. Foreign politicians have said that China has been keeping its promises to the international community, which embodies its wisdom as an ancient civilization and presents the world with a major country meeting its responsibilities. The past year has seen China's earnestness and goodwill at propelling the bilateral talks. Our promises and commitments have never changed.

China regrets U.S. tariff hikes time and again and its flip-flop tactics. Addicted to inflicting maximum pressure on China, the U.S., who assumes its faithless and bullying behaviors are effectively maximizing its benefits, misjudges both the situation and the objective. It should not misread China's sincerity as fragility or vainly attempt to squeeze concessions and compromises on matters of principle out of China. It should never imagine China will barter with its core interests or the fundamental interests of its people. The Chinese people's belief in safeguarding national interests and dignity is highly consistent and rock solid. China will not accept anything that harms its sovereignty, security or development interests. It's a futile undertaking that will only damage the credibility and image of the U.S. if they persist on hegemony and pressure.

In the face of U.S.-provoked trade and economic frictions, China has had a clear stand: There is no winner in a trade war. China does not want a trade war, nor are we afraid of it. The Chinese and U.S. economies are deeply integrated, therefore, the tariff hike goes against the interests of both the Chinese and U.S. people, as well as the rest of the world. China has realized this truth since the beginning and has spared no efforts to talk with the U.S., showing maximum sincerity.

In addition, China has also thought about worst-case scenarios and is equipped with sufficient preparations, which is something past experiences have taught it. During the past year, China's efforts to stabilize employment, finance, foreign trade, foreign investment, fix-assent investment and expectations has begun to bear fruit. The fundamentals of the economy are stable with some progress. China has enough confidence in its stress tolerance and economic resilience, so it is fearless in face of the trade war.

Trade and economic cooperation based on a principled approach is the optimal option for both parties. China will not give in on matters of principle. However, China's door for negotiation will continue to be open as usual. We insist on believing there are mutual benefits and a lot of room for cooperation for the two countries to achieve win-win results by seeking common ground while respecting differences. However, sincerity, mutual respect and equality are demanded to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. Only in this way, can China-U.S. trade and economic exchanges bring benefit to both people and the world at large.

This is an edited excerpt of an editorial by People's Daily

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo

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