Instead, China's stance is consistent and the country always pursues a balanced trade relationship, according to ministry spokesman Gao Feng. He told a weekly news briefing that talks on Sunday between US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He in Beijing included in-depth discussions about agriculture and the energy trade. Gao added that talks had made specific progress, and reiterated China's willingness to import more from the United States, but did not offer details.

In addition to the US trade deficit, Gao also mentioned the current chaotic situation after the US imposed new tariffs on aluminum and steel imported from the European Union, Mexico, and Canada, warning of adverse impacts on the global economy.