China urges the United States to completely eliminate tariffs.

China urged the United States yesterday to "completely eliminate" its reciprocal tariffs following Washington's announcement of exemptions for consumer electronics and essential chipmaking equipment.

A spokesperson from the commerce ministry stated, "We call on the US to take significant action to rectify its errors, fully abolish the misguided practice of 'reciprocal tariffs,' and return to a path of mutual respect."

The two largest economies in the world have been embroiled in a tit-for-tat tariff conflict since US President Donald Trump declared extensive global tariffs earlier this month, which included raising the blanket duty on Chinese goods to 145 percent.

In response, China implemented retaliatory tariffs of 125 percent on US products, effective Saturday, demonstrating its defiance against its primary trade partner.

However, after Trump's tariffs caused turmoil in global markets, he announced a 90-day delay for most countries, with China being excluded from this reprieve.

On Friday, the US intensified its stance when the Customs and Border Protection office revealed that smartphones, laptops, memory chips, and other items would be exempt from the global tariffs.

In response to these exemptions, China's commerce ministry characterized them as a "minor step" by the US and indicated that China was "assessing the implications" of this decision.

These new exemptions are expected to benefit American technology firms such as Nvidia and Dell, as well as Apple, which manufactures iPhones and other high-end products in China.

According to US Customs data, the exempted products represent over 20 percent of Chinese imports, as noted by senior RAND researcher Gerard DiPippo.

Nevertheless, semiconductors may still be subject to industry-specific tariffs that Trump has proposed for imports from all nations.

On Saturday, Trump indicated that he would provide a "very specific" response regarding any future semiconductor tariffs on Monday.

-‘Jointly resist’-

In light of the high tariffs, China has positioned itself as a stable alternative to an unpredictable Washington, actively engaging with other countries.

According to a statement released on Sunday by Beijing's commerce ministry, Trump's reciprocal tariffs have not only failed to address any of the issues facing the United States but have also significantly weakened the global economic and trade framework.

Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expressed concerns on Friday, stating that these tariffs would "cause serious damage" to developing countries during a conversation with the head of the World Trade Organization.

On Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping will commence a five-day tour of Southeast Asia, engaging in discussions with leaders from Vietnam, a key manufacturing hub, as well as Malaysia and Cambodia.

This visit follows Xi's remarks that China and Europe should "collectively oppose unilateral bullying practices," as reported by state media after his meeting with the Spanish prime minister.

China has consistently indicated its willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States.

The White House has conveyed that Trump remains "optimistic" about reaching an agreement with China, although officials from the administration have made it clear that they anticipate Beijing to initiate contact first.