China doesn't fear trade war, urges equal, respectful talks, envoy says

China doesn't want or fear a trade war, and talks should be conducted in an equal, respectful and reciprocal manner, Beijing's top envoy in Washington said, as the US-China Business Council cautioned that hefty duties, if they take hold, would significantly reduce the United States' exports.

Speaking at an embassy open house event on Saturday, Chinese Ambassador to the US Xie Feng said tariff hikes benefit no one, but instead disrupt business, raise costs, rattle financial markets and slow global growth.

During the first 100 days since US President Donald Trump took office on Jan 20, Washington has announced sweeping tariffs, starting with a 10 percent blanket duty on all foreign-made imports.