On April 11, Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy China International Trade Representative Ling Ji met with Minister of State for Business and Trade of the UK Douglas Alexander, who came to China for the Fifth China International Consumer Products Expo. The two sides exchanged views on deepening China-UK economic and trade cooperation and responding to the so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed by the US. The two sides agreed to jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, actively prepare for the 14th meeting of the China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission, and strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, and industrial and supply chains.

Ling Ji said President Xi Jinping met with representatives of the international business community in March, sending positive and clear signals to the outside world. Opening up is China’s basic national policy. In the face of unilateralism and protectionism, multilateralism is the only solution. The so-called “reciprocal tariffs” imposed by the U.S. is a serious departure from the multilateral trading system. China’s countermeasures are a necessary response to safeguard its own interests. China is ready to work with the UK to support the multilateral trading system and inject more certainty and stability into the world economy.

Douglas Alexander said the British side attaches great importance to cooperation with China and the opportunities of the Chinese market, and is ready to work with China to adhere to free trade and open market, strengthen multilateral cooperation and jointly address the current challenges. The British side will continue to deepen economic and trade cooperation with China and promote the long-term sound development of bilateral economic and trade relations.