US Export Controls Hindering China's Phase One Purchase Commitments, China Says

The U.S. should stop restrictive trade measures against China, which are hindering the phase one trade deal between the two countries, China’s Assistant Commerce Minister Ren Hongbin told told reporters Aug. 13.

“The tightening of U.S. export controls to China and other restrictive measures have undoubtedly had a certain impact on the import of some goods and services,” Ren said, according to an unofficial translation of his remarks. “It is hoped that the U.S. will stop restrictive measures and discriminatory practices against Chinese companies.” The White House, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and Commerce Department, which recently began a review of China-related export controls (see 2007220050), did not comment.

Ren declined to comment on the virtual Aug. 15 meeting between U.S. and Chinese trade officials, but stressed that China has kept its trade commitments. “Since China and the United States signed the first phase of the economic and trade agreement in January this year, China has conscientiously implemented the agreement, and the relevant departments have done a lot of work to promote the implementation of the agreement,” he said.

Ren also said U.S. sanctions against China (see 2008070039) for interference in Hong Kong “seriously interfered in China’s internal affairs” and “undermined China-U.S. relations.” He also said the U.S. decision to revoke customs special treatment for Hong Kong (see 2005290047) does not mean other countries have to do so as well. “The status of Hong Kong as a separate customs territory cannot be granted by the United States,” Ren said. “It is stipulated by the [World Trade Organization] and accepted and recognized by all members.”

Beijing will continue to tighten the Chinese mainland's relationship with Hong Kong, Ren said. “The liberalization and facilitation of trade in goods between the Mainland and Hong Kong will be further deepened,” he said, “and Hong Kong will also play an important role in China's foreign trade.”