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The Chinese and U.S. delegations engaged in candid, in-depth and constructive communication based on mutual respect and equal consultation regarding economic and trade issues of mutual concern in Madrid, Spain this week.
The Beijing-Washington relationship remains one of the world's most important and consequential pairs of bilateral ties, the dynamics of which are, to some extent, shaping global economic trends and geopolitical dynamics. As the two largest economies, China and the U.S. are deeply integrated into the global economic system, with every matter carrying broad strategic consequences.
As two major countries with different development stages and distinct economic systems, China and the U.S. naturally experience frictions in their trade and economic cooperation. Communication signals that both sides recognize the value in resolving differences through engagement rather than confrontation.
During the meeting, the two sides reached a basic framework consensus on revolving issues related to TikTok through cooperation, reducing investment barriers and promoting relevant economic and trade cooperation, said Li Chenggang, China's international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, at a briefing on Monday.
Li Chenggang (C), China international trade representative with the Ministry of Commerce and vice minister of commerce, and Wang Jingtao (R), deputy director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, attend a press conference chaired by Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong in Madrid, Spain, September 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
At the heart of the consensus lies China's commitment to fostering mutual benefits and promoting global economic stability. China fully respects the will of the business as well as the law of the market on resolving the TikTok issue through such methods as the entrusted operation of TikTok's U.S. user data and content security business, and the license for use of the algorithm and other intellectual property rights, according to the briefing.
China's respect for the will of the business provides broad opportunities for China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation. American companies have cast a vote of confidence in China with concrete actions. The number of U.S. exhibitors present at the third China International Supply Chain Expo in July was up by 15 percent compared with that of last year, leading the number of foreign exhibitors.
Mutual interests are what matter for China. But regrettably, the U.S., under the guise of national security, is still expanding sanctions against Chinese entities after economic and trade consultations. Its long arm of jurisdiction is a typical act of unilateral bullying.
While this week's talks have further demonstrated China's sincerity in solving disputes for multi-win results and its preference for dialogue over discord, it is also worth noting that China approaches the talks not from a position of concession but as an equal partner willing to address frictions constructively.
Regarding the TikTok issue, China has consistently opposed politicization, instrumentalization and weaponization of technology as well as economic and trade matters and will never seek to reach any agreement at the expense of principles, interests of companies, or international fairness and justice, Li said.
This attitude demonstrates China's readiness to resolve trade frictions through diplomacy rather than unilateral actions or protectionist measures. It also highlights the mutual understanding that cooperation is far more beneficial than rivalry in addressing global economic challenges.
For both China and the U.S., the path forward rests on mutual respect, pragmatic engagement, and a shared commitment to globalization that benefits all. China has demonstrated its willingness to play a responsible and sincere role in contributing to global economic prosperity. It is time for Washington to correct its mistakes in light of the hard-won achievements of China-U.S. economic and trade consultations.
