Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao delivered a resolute message on Friday, declaring that efforts to sever economic ties between China and the U.S. are "destined to fail." Speaking at a press conference, Wang emphasized the enduring interdependence of the world's two largest economies despite recent geopolitical tensions.
Bilateral trade in goods and services surged by 18% and 34.7% respectively in 2024 compared to 2017 levels, according to official data. While the proportion of bilateral trade in each country's total volume has dipped, Wang noted stability in overall exchanges and highlighted sustained cross-border investments. "Cooperation remains the only viable path," he asserted, underscoring that economic ties have generated millions of jobs in both nations.
The minister acknowledged challenges in managing differences but stressed China's commitment to resolving frictions through dialogue. "Equal-footed consultation has repeatedly proven effective in addressing disputes," Wang stated, pointing to China's steady economic growth in 2024 as evidence of its capacity to navigate global headwinds.
With China's economy maintaining long-term growth fundamentals, Wang called for enhanced communication channels with U.S. counterparts to "expand common ground and reduce misunderstandings." He framed stable China-U.S. relations as critical for global economic recovery, urging joint efforts to foster "healthy, sustainable development" in trade partnerships.
