MNI POLICY: China Unaware Of A Planned Visit By US Negotiators

By Iris Ouyang

     BEIJING (MNI) - China's Ministry of Commerce said Thursday the country is

not aware of any specific U.S. plans to send trade negotiators to Beijing for

further talks.

     Here are some highlights from the weekly MOFCOM press briefing:

     --"China isn't aware of any U.S. plan to come to China for negotiations,"

said MOFCOM spokesperson Gao Feng.

     --Gao stressed China will "have to react" if the U.S. insists on escalating

the trade dispute. He added Beijing was against and would withstand U.S attempts

to bully China into a position.

     --Three Chinese concerns need to be resolved for a trade deal to be agreed,

Gao said; removal of all existing tariffs on China; expected purchases of U.S

goods by China must be reasonable and; the text of any deal must be balanced,

maintaining China's dignity.

     --The impact from any escalating trade conflict with the U.S. is

controllable, Gao said, noting that China's policies to stabilize the economy

have taken effect, with further measures to be implemented. Beijing is also

watching the domestic inflation rate, and will take necessary measures when

needed, Gao said.

     --China has enough macro tools to tackle the negative impacts of an

escalating trade spat with the U.S, Gao said, noting China's "economic outlook

is very bright."

     --Gao hit back at Washington's decision to ban Huawei Technologies Co Ltd

from acquiring components and technology before receiving government approval,

saying Beijing is firmly against any country imposing unilateral sanctions on

China and Chinese companies based on domestic law. China is against action to

abuse and expand the concept of national security, he added. 

     --Gao denied China will impose increased restrictions on American

companies, adding that measures will be taken to create transparent and

consistent business environment for foreign companies in China. He hoped other

countries would respect market-based rules for Chinese firms.

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

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