Chinese Premier Li Qiang said he has “full confidence” that China’s economy will continue to grow in a sustainable and healthy manner, noting that his country has sufficient policy tools to offset external negative impacts this year. Li made the remarks in a telephone conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday.
In his speech, Premier Li sharply criticized the high tariffs imposed by the US on its trading partners. Li gave optimistic messages about China’s economy, saying that this year’s macroeconomic policies have been prepared taking into account various uncertainties. Li Qiang reiterated China’s determination to expand its opening-up policy and enhance cooperation with global economies, including the European Union. This cooperation will provide development opportunities for all parties, the Chinese Premier emphasized. The meeting came after US President Donald Trump signed a decree last week imposing tariffs of up to 34 percent on imports from China and 20 percent on imports from the European Union. The US had also threatened an additional 50 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Li said Washington’s tariffs on its trading partners under various pretexts were an example of “unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying”. China’s strong response is not only to safeguard its sovereignty and development interests, but also to defend international trade rules and global justice, he said.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202504/08/WS67f52bfba3104d9fd381e301.html
