China always maintains that the China-US trade friction should be dealt with through dialogue and consultation, and the process should begin with a first step, said the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks following US President Trump's statement that there will be a long journey before a trade agreement is reached between the two countries. "America might impose tariffs on $325 billion-worth Chinese goods if necessary,” Trump said.

“China is always sincere about pushing ahead trade negotiations,” said Geng. “With the first step, one can eventually reach the end no matter how long the journey is.”

 "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," Geng quoted a Chinese proverb, adding one only needs to take the first step and move forward consistently before he would reach his destination.

"We hope that our US counterparts can have the courage and perseverance along with China to strive for a mutually-beneficial and win-win trade agreement under the principle of mutual respect and equality."

(Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

“China will firmly hold the stance to safeguard its own interests if the US threatens additional tariffs,” said Geng.

"That move will build obstacles to the negotiating progress and make the agreement much harder to reach," said Geng.

(Compiled by Bai Yuanqi)