China seeks British backing to defend international trade as Trump tariff war escalates
Beijing tells trade minister Douglas Alexander it is ready to work with UK on trade as it defends its ‘necessary response’ to the US leader
“In the face of the challenges of unilateralism and protectionism, multilateralism is the only solution,” Chinese vice-minister for commerce Ling Ji told Britain’s trade minister, Douglas Alexander, in Beijing on Friday.
“China’s countermeasures against the US are a necessary response to safeguard its own interests. China is ready to work with the UK to support the multilateral trading system, injecting more certainty and stability into the world economy.”
Alexander’s visit coincided with the latest trade war announcements from Beijing, which said it would raise the duty on US goods to 125 per cent and dismissed Trump’s tariffs as “a joke”.
Ling and Alexander “exchanged views” on Trump’s measures, according to China’s Commerce Ministry, which added: “Both sides agreed to … strengthen cooperation in trade, investment and supply chains.”
The ministry added that Alexander had said Britain was willing to work with China on free trade, market opening and to “jointly address the current challenges”.