China will take the necessary measures to protect the legitimate interests of Chinese companies, and to safeguard the world’s multilateral trading system and rules, the country’s foreign ministry official said on Tuesday.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. (Photo: fmprc.gov.cn)

In response to the latest US ban on Chinese telecom equipment producer ZTE, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular media briefing in Beijing that the Chinese government will pay close attention to the situation and is ready to take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. 

The US administration’s move is typical unilateralism and obvious economic hegemony. If the US continues its abusive moves against the trend of free trade and multilateralism, China will surely be defiant to win this battle, Hua said. 

This is not merely to safeguard China’s legitimate rights and interests, but also to safeguard the world’s multilateral trading system and rules, she added. 

As for the trade friction between China and the US, the Section 301 investigation is essentially a battle between multilateralism and unilateralism, global free trade, and protectionism.

Just as President Xi Jinping said when he met Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), on Monday in Beijing, there are many problems and challenges in the world. These issues can be resolved through strengthened multilateral cooperation and equal negotiations. Big countries need to shoulder their responsibilities. 

As a responsible big country, China is willing to work with the international community and cooperate while opening-up and seeking win-win results. Our country will play a more constructive role for the world’s vision of greater stability. 

The US Department of Commerce on Monday suspended an export control settlement deal with Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corporation.