The US should view and handle its relations with China from a
"long-term and strategic vision" so that bilateral ties can develop
"in the correct direction."
Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remark at a regular
press briefing on Thursday in response to rising criticism of China
in Washington on issues such as the trade balance and the value of
the RMB.
On Tuesday, US Trade Representative Rob Portman released a
review of Washington's trade relations with China, urging the Bush
administration to take a tougher stance against China by rigorously
enforcing trade laws. China's Ministry of Commerce has yet to
respond to the report.
Qin said it is normal to have some frictions during the rapid
development and expansion of bilateral trade "but they should be
solved properly through consultation between the two sides working
as equal partners."
He noted that Sino-US trade is mutually beneficial. "It is not
unilateral, nor is it a favor granted by one side to the
other."
Qin cited Christmas as an example when Americans benefit greatly
from low-cost gifts and artificial trees made in China.
Exerting pressure or threatening to use sanctions is detrimental
not only to Sino-US trade relations, but also to the interests of
the US itself, he said.
In his review, Portman asked the Bush administration to use "all
options available" to compel China to "live up to commitments to
open its markets and enforce intellectual property rights."
On the Dalai Lama's visit to the Middle East, Qin said it is
aimed at "internationalizing" the Tibet question and splitting the
motherland.
"China is firmly opposed to his visit," he said.
He made the remarks as the Dalai Lama began a five-day visit to
the Middle East.
(China Daily February 18, 2006)
