Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said on Friday that it is necessary for the Unite States and Russia to resolve issues through dialog and communication to improve the soured bilateral relations.
Lin made the statement at a regular press briefing in response to a large-scale prisoner swap on Thursday, which involved 26 individuals from the U.S., Germany, Russia, and other nations.
"We have noticed relevant media reports. The U.S. and Russia are both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and influential powers. We hope the two sides can properly resolve issues emerging in bilateral ties through communication and dialog, which is conducive to international and regional peace and stability," said Lin.
China hopes for communication, dialog to resolve issues in Russia-U.S. ties
US, Russia expected to resolve soured bilateral ties through communication
US, Russia expected to resolve soured bilateral ties through communication
US, Russia expected to resolve soured bilateral ties through communication
Amid widespread opposition, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed two executive orders on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," imposing a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" and higher rates on certain trading partners.
Trump announced these tariffs in a speech in the White House Rose Garden, during which he also said a 25-percent tariff on cars and car parts imported into the U.S. will take effect on Thursday.
Many trading partners of the U.S. have previously expressed their opposition, saying that they will take countermeasures in response.
On Wednesday, President of the European Council Antonio Costa said the European Union must react in a "firm but smart manner" to the reciprocal tariffs.
"This is truly a major economic mistake for the United States and also for Europe and the entire world," Costa said.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the introduction of new U.S. tariffs would have heavy repercussions for Italian producers, adding that she did not rule out "adequate responses" to defend Italian products.
While stating that the UK is engaging in constructive talks to reach a broader economic prosperity deal with the U.S., British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also said that the country is prepared for all possible scenarios and will not rule out any possibilities
Trump imposes "reciprocal tariffs" amid widespread opposition
