China rejected U.S. accusations of backtracking in trade talks and warned that it would not “capitulate to any pressure” as the two sides headed into make-or-break negotiations on Thursday.
The United States has raised the stakes with plans to increase tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese goods from 10% to 25% on Friday, prompting Beijing to vow to hit back with “necessary countermeasures”.
“The U.S. has assigned a lot of labels, such as backtracking, going back on one’s word, and so on. Lots of promises have been foisted on China,” Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesman Gao Feng told reporters in Beijing.
“The Chinese side has kept its promises and this has never changed,” he added.
“China will not capitulate to any pressure, and we have the determination and ability to defend our own interests,” Mr. Gao said.