MOFCOM accuses U.S. of seriously undermining Geneva consensus

Commenting on recent U.S. claims that China has violated the consensus reached in the China-U.S. economic and trade talks in Geneva, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated that the Chinese side has noted the situation. In accordance with the consensus, China canceled or suspended relevant tariff and non-tariff measures targeting the U.S. "reciprocal tariffs." China, with a responsible attitude, has earnestly addressed, strictly implemented, and actively upheld the consensus of the economic and trade talks in Geneva. China's commitment to safeguarding its rights is resolute, and its implementation of the consensus reflects integrity. In contrast, the U..S has successively introduced multiple discriminatory restrictions against China, including issuing AI chip export controls, halting sales of chip design software to China, and announcing the revocation of visas for Chinese students.

These actions seriously violate the consensus reached during the January 17 phone call between the two heads of state, severely undermine the existing consensus of the Geneva economic and trade talks, and significantly harm China's legitimate rights and interests. The U.S. has continuously provoked new trade frictions, exacerbating uncertainty and instability in bilateral economic and trade relations. Instead of reflecting on its own actions, it unjustly shifts blame, baselessly accusing China of violating the consensus, which gravely deviates from the facts. China firmly rejects these unwarranted accusations, the spokesperson said.

The Joint Statement on China-US Economic and Trade Meeting in Geneva is an important consensus reached by both sides based on mutual respect and equal consultation, and its outcomes were hard-won, the spokesperson said, urging the U.S. to meet China halfway, immediately correct its erroneous actions, and jointly uphold the consensus of the Geneva economic and trade talks to promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-U.S. trade relations. If the U.S. persists in its unilateral approach and continues to harm China's interests, China will resolutely take strong measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, the MOFCOM spokesperson noted, as reported by the Global Times.

The Trump Administration said that President Trump would soon have a phone call with Chinese President Xi to break the impasse, but there is no confirmation from China that such a talk would soon take place.