Question: President Trump said Friday that the United States would impose additional tariffs of 100 percent on China from November 1. He said this move was in retaliation for China’s recently announced export controls in the rare earth sector. So first, what is the Foreign Ministry’s comment on this? And also does China plan to impose its own high tariffs on goods from the United States if Trump’s announcement is carried out?

MFA Spokesperson Lin Jian: The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce has made clear China’s position on that. Let me stress that China firmly rejects the recent U.S. restrictions and sanctions on China, and will do what is necessary to protect its legitimate rights and interests. Threatening high tariffs is not the right way to deal with China. The U.S. should correct its approach and act on the common understandings the two presidents reached in their phone calls. The two sides can and should address each other’s concerns through dialogue and manage differences on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit to keep bilateral ties on a steady, sound and sustainable track. If the U.S. keeps refusing to change course, China will be firmly resolved in taking measures to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests.