This panoramic aerial photo taken on Jan 10, 2023 shows a view of Lujiazui area in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone in East China's Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

Global Times-The upcoming meeting in Switzerland, involving senior officials from China and the US, represents the first high-level trade talks between the two nations since the US administration imposes steep "reciprocal tariffs" in April. There are several key questions that the public is focused on regarding China: Why China agrees to enter into talks with the US at the time, does China have room to maneuver for the talks, and the potential impact of the outcomes on the future economic landscape.

Prior to the convening of the meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that the meeting is requested by the US side.

The frequent use of tariffs by the US has disrupted global supply chains and rattled financial markets, igniting concerns over a potential slump in global economic growth. That fact that China agrees to hold talks with the US at the latter's request demonstrates a responsible approach. In the face of global economic uncertainties provoked by US tariffs, it is crucial for China and the US, the world's two largest economies, to engage in talks. Enhancing communication between these two nations is beneficial for understanding each other's core concerns and avoiding misjudgments. Maintaining stable China-US economic and trade relations is in the interests of the both peoples of the two nations, and also conducive to the world economy.  

However, as Lin Jian said, China firmly opposes the US tariff hikes. This position remains unchanged. Trying to pressure or coerce China, in any form, simply does not work. 

Fight or talk, China's position to safeguard international equality and justice, maintain global economic and trade order remains unchanged.  

What is the source of China's confidence? It lies in multiple factors, including the remarkable resilience and resistance to risk the Chinese economy has shown in the face of external challenges. Despite some fluctuations caused by US tariffs, the inherent stability of China's economy has continued to strengthen. In the first quarter of this year, there has been a consistent improvement in China's consumer market. The launch of a series of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum technology, has propelled the development of high-tech industries. Furthermore, the employment situation has remained stable, with the growth in residents' income largely keeping pace with economic growth. This has led to continuous improvements in people's livelihoods, among other positive developments.

In particular, China's trade continued to expand at a solid pace, despite hefty US tariffs on Chinese goods. Although China-US trade declined in the first four months, China's total import and export value in April reached 3.84 trillion yuan ($531.46 billion), marking a 5.6 percent increase year-on-year.

In the complex world of international diplomacy, economic resilience often translates into negotiating strength. This axiom is vividly illustrated in the recent interactions between China and the US. The robustness and inherent stability of the Chinese economy have fortified its stance, supporting a strategy that is as much about principle as it is about pragmatism. Chinese officials have repeatedly underscored their openness to dialogue, but with a caveat that any dialogue must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit.

This stance is not merely rhetorical; it is rooted in China's firm ability and determination to safeguard its legitimate interests. The Chinese understand that compromise under pressure does not bring peace or respect. In this context, China will not rush to talks, given that its economic resilience, particularly in the face of US tariffs, affords it a flexible strategic space. China will not, and indeed does not need to, make concessions on matters of principle.  

Given the profound impact of US tariff policies on the global economy, some international observers might hope that China and the US can reach a consensus in their upcoming talks to de-escalate tensions. China, of course, hopes that the trade tension can be eased, but it's important to recognize that, to a large extent, it hinges on whether Washington can demonstrate the necessary sincerity in talks. The tariff war was initiated by the US. There's an old Chinese saying: " To untie the bell, you need the person who tied the bell."

The US economy is currently showing signs of distress. GDP contracted at an annual rate of 0.3 percent in the first quarter, highlighting its vulnerability under Washington's tariff policies. China is an important economic partner for the US, and the prosperity of the US economy cannot be separated from that of China. In terms of trade talks, the US has greater urgency for engagement. 

China has consistently maintained a firm stance against the US' abuse of tariff measures. China's Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said on Thursday that "The US should make preparations and take actions on issues such as correcting its wrong practices and lifting the unilateral tariffs." He noted that China will never agree, nor will it seek to reach any agreement by sacrificing its principle and position as well as international fairness and justice.

The Chinese economy has more room to maneuver compared to the US economy. In the face of the US tariff policies, what China needs is not to compromise, but to focus on managing its own affairs and steadfastly pursue development. Amid the headwinds of deglobalization, China has shown a strong commitment to opening up wider to the outside world. Regardless of the outcomes of the US-China talks, China's commitment to economic development and further opening up to the world remains unchanged. The stable growth of China's economy and its consistent contribution to global economic expansion will continue unabated.

Confronted with a complex and challenging external environment, China's steadfast focus on domestic development and its efforts to further open up to the world are not only advantageous for its own economic trajectory but also have a positive impact on the global economic landscape.