Beijing, March 13 – China on Thursday called for renewed "dialogue" with the United States in an effort to de-escalate rising trade tensions, as the world’s two largest economies continue to impose retaliatory tariffs on each other’s imports.

“China has always maintained that both countries should approach economic and trade differences with a positive and cooperative mindset,” said He Yongqian, spokeswoman for China’s Ministry of Commerce, during a weekly press briefing.

However, she emphasized that “any form of communication and negotiation must be grounded in mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.”

“Threats and intimidation are counterproductive,” He added. “We hope that both sides can work together to return to the right path of resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation.”

Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has reimposed a series of tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, citing concerns over their failure to curb the flow of fentanyl and its chemical precursors into the United States.

Earlier this month, Trump raised a previously imposed 10-percent blanket tariff on Chinese imports to 20 percent, escalating tensions further.

In response, Beijing announced tariffs of up to 15 percent on various US agricultural products, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.

China, the world’s largest steel producer, also pledged on Wednesday to take “all necessary measures” to defend its interests following a separate wave of new US tariffs targeting steel and aluminium imports.