MNI: China MOFCOM Stays Resolute As Trade War With US Heats Up

     BEIJING (MNI) - China's Ministry of Commerce remained resolute in its

response questioning about to China's ongoing trade spat with the U.S, with a

ministry spokesperson saying Washington should not underestimate China's

determination, confidence and ability to meet any challenges.

     Here are the major points from Thursday's press briefing: 

     --American politicians' beliefs that they want China to suffer in a trade

war are "ridiculous," Gao Feng, the ministry spokesman said. "Bullying and

extreme pressure methods will not scare China or make China's economy collapse,"

he added.

     --Gao said China will use the U.S. trade action as momentum for

development, speeding up economic restructuring and high-quality manufacturing

development. 

     --Negotiation as equals is the best way to tackle trade friction between

the world's two largest economies, Gao said. 

     --China hopes to resolve the trade conflict with the U.S., but it's ready

for all possible eventualities, Gao stressed. China's opening up of its economy

will be conducted at its own pace, he added. 

--MNI London Bureau; tel: +44 203-586-2225; email: les.commons@marketnews.com

--MNI Beijing Bureau; +86 (10) 8532-5998; email: iris.ouyang@marketnews.com

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