Mexican official confident China, US to resolve trade disputes

MEXICO CITY - Mexico is confident that the Chinese and US governments will resolve their trade disputes and bring benefits to both nations and the world, a Mexican state governor has said.

Quirino Ordaz Coppel, governor of the northern Mexican state of Sinaloa, told Xinhua in a recent interview that both sides should sit down for dialogue and reach a trade agreement which benefits them both and the rest of the world.

"It is very important to sit down and talk, to find out the viewpoints of each side and reach important agreements," he said.

Last week, the US government threatened to slap more tariffs on Chinese imports worth $100 billion. The measure came days after Washington proposed a 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports worth $50 billion.

"The important thing is that the relationship should be reciprocal, this is what must mark good agreements. China is very important, it is a great global player," said the governor, adding that strengthening trade and business is in everyone's interests.

He also warned that leaving these trade differences unresolved has severe implications.

Looking at Mexico's relationship amid this trade dispute, the governor said his country needs to reinforce its ties with China across the board, especially on trade and investment.

"Mexico has been very dependent on the United States ... We are accelerating and deepening the diversification of our trade with China, with South America, and with Europe, but especially with Asia," he said.

Furthermore, the Mexican government has always stood for an open global economy, a position also defended by China, as opposed to the stance of the US administration, he added.

"I have always fought for a global economy. Trade relations must be strengthened but in ways that are fair and balanced and lead to good business for both sides. It must be a win-win for all," said the governor, who met this week with Chinese Ambassador to Mexico Qiu Xiaoqi.

During the meeting, Qiu highlighted China's stance as a defender of free trade.

The ambassador pointed out that Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated the country's determination to expand reform and opening-up in a speech Tuesday at the Boao Forum for Asia.

"We will certainly continue to promote free trade, economic cooperation with the countries of the world," said Qiu.

China on Thursday vowed to fight "till the very end" if the Untied States insists on unilateralism and trade protectionism.

"As of now, government officials of the two countries have never engaged in any negotiations concerning the trade friction," said Gao Feng, spokesman of the Ministry of Commerce.

"Principles must be followed before negotiations get started. However, the US has not shown any sincerity to negotiate," Gao said.

"Whether the two sides can negotiate under the WTO framework will depend on whether the US side still respects the WTO and whether it still respects multilateral rules," Gao said at a press conference.