Fri Jul 18 04:35:20 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article version of the provided text, focusing on the key points:
**Summary:**
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao stated on July 18, 2025, that China desires a stable and healthy trade relationship with the U.S., urging the U.S. to act responsibly as a major world power. He highlighted China’s resilient trade and its plans to expand imports and exports. While acknowledging the tensions and past trade disputes, including significant tariffs imposed by the U.S. (currently at 53.6%), Wang emphasized the interdependence of the two economies. He stated that forced decoupling is impractical and that dialogue is essential. Wang reiterated China’s opposition to trade wars but asserted its readiness to protect national interests. The deadline for a new trade deal to prevent the reinstating of tariffs will come on August 12, 2025.
**News Article:**
**China Seeks “Sustainable” Trade Ties with U.S., Urges Responsible Conduct**
*Beijing, July 18, 2025* – China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao called for a return to “healthy and sustainable development” in trade relations with the United States at a press conference today. Wang urged the U.S. to “behave in a way that befits its major country status,” signaling a desire for a more predictable and stable economic partnership.
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Wang highlighted the resilience of China’s trade sector and its intention to expand both imports and exports in the coming years. He acknowledged the turbulent recent history of China-U.S. trade, noting that it has underscored the mutual need for cooperation.
“A forced decoupling and severing of supply chains is impossible,” Wang asserted, emphasizing that some trade between the two nations is irreplaceable, at least in the short term.
Despite past trade disputes, including tariff hikes exceeding 100% earlier this year by the United States before being partially walked back, Wang stressed the continued importance of both countries as economic partners. He proposed equal dialogue and consultations as a means to manage ongoing tensions.
Wang also addressed the current tariff situation, revealing that the overall tariff level imposed by the U.S. on China remains high, at 53.6%. He reiterated China’s stance against trade wars but affirmed the country’s resolve to protect its national interests.
The comments come as China and the U.S. face an August 12th deadline to reach a new trade agreement. Failure to do so could trigger the reinstatement of import curbs previously imposed during periods of escalating tariff exchanges between the two economic giants.
Minister Wang did not elaborate on specific concessions China was willing to make to reach a deal, but his remarks suggested a willingness to negotiate a more stable and predictable framework for future trade relations.
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