China vows continued necessary measures to protect Chinese companies’ interests: FM

China will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday, urging the US to draw lessons from the previous administration and rectify mistakes.

Zhao made the remarks at a regular press conference in response to a question about US Secretary of Commerce nominee Gina Raimondo’s pledge to take a tough line on China in her Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

“China has clearly behaved in ways that are anti-competitive, dumping cheap steel and aluminum into America, which hurts American workers and hurts the ability of our companies to compete,” Raimondo said, according to the Washington Post.

The US talks a lot about its pursuit for a level playing field and fair trade, but what it has done is quite contrary. In the past few years, the last US administration was blatantly engaged in unilateral, protectionist and bullying practices. It waged trade wars, overstretched the concept of national security, abused various excuses and lists, did all it could to suppress Chinese companies, and coerced other countries into giving up their cooperation with Chinese businesses, the spokesperson said.

“These practices severely violated international trade rules and the principle of fair competition, undermined normal market order, hurt the rights and interests of Chinese companies, and in the end undermined the interests of American businesses and workers,” Zhao commented.

The US’ previous administration not only targeted China, but also frequently leveled threats or sanctions against other countries, he went on to say, adding that the practice of “America only” has been rejected by the international community.

It’s hoped the US can learn from its lessons, correct the mistakes, earnestly respect the principles of market economy and fair competition, and foster an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for foreign companies investing and operating in the US, the spokesperson noted.