China pushes for free trade

Dialogue with US on tariff issue remains open

- ISABEL DE LEON

Despite global economic shifts brought about by the imposition of higher tariffs by the United States, the Chinese government will remain steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism, free trade, and "win-win" cooperation with the rest of the world.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said this is China's way of countering the US' chosen path of "protectionism, unilateralism, and economic bullying."

"China believes that trade wars and tariff wars have no winners, and protectionism will lead nowhere. Going against the world will only lead to self-isolation," he stressed.

Huang said he attended a very important meeting in Beijing last week where China's top leaders, led by President Xi Jinping, charted China's future, particularly the policy on its Asian neighbors.

He also expressed China's willingness to hold a dialogue and consultation with the US on the tariffs issue.

Beijing recently named Li Chenggang as China's new top international trade negotiator.