China has firmly rejected recent U.S. accusations of unfair economic practices, with a Foreign Ministry spokesperson stating that branding bilateral trade as a “rip-off” ignores fundamental economic principles and shared benefits. The remarks came during a Monday press briefing in response to comments by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who claimed China relies excessively on exports and demanded stricter reciprocity.
“China-U.S. trade relations are shaped by market dynamics, economic structures, and global currency roles,” said spokesperson Mao Ning. She emphasized that China does not pursue trade surpluses and highlighted how U.S. consumers and businesses gain from the partnership, including lower-cost goods, job creation in logistics and retail, and a U.S. services trade surplus.
Mao challenged the notion of unilateral exploitation, noting: “If one side were truly being harmed, our economic ties would not have expanded to their current scale.” She cited U.S. trade deficits reaching $918.4 billion in 2022 as evidence that tariffs and trade wars “ultimately backfire on those who initiate them.”
The comments underscore growing tensions as Beijing urges Washington to abandon “zero-sum thinking” and resume pragmatic cooperation. Analysts suggest the exchange reflects deeper disagreements over balancing competition with economic interdependence in the world’s largest bilateral relationship.
