China on Thursday called for "dialogue" with the United States to address escalating trade tensions, as the world's two largest economies continue to impose tariffs on each other's imports.

"China has always advocated that China and the United States should adopt a positive and cooperative attitude towards differences and controversies in economic and trade fields," Commerce Ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian stated during a weekly press conference.

"But it must be stressed that any form of communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," she pointed out, warning that "threats and intimidation can only be counterproductive."

"It is hoped that the United States and China will work together... to return to the correct track of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation," He indicated.

Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on major trading partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico, citing their failure to curb the flow of deadly fentanyl and its precursor chemicals.

Earlier this month, Trump raised a 10% blanket tariff on Chinese imports to 20%. Beijing responded by imposing levies of up to 15% on a range of US agricultural products, including soybeans, pork, and chicken.

Additionally, China—the world's leading steel producer—vowed on Wednesday to take "all necessary measures" to protect its interests following separate US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

China calls for diplomacy on Iran nuclear issue before Beijing talks

In a separate context, China called for a diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue as it prepared to host high-level talks with diplomats from Tehran and Moscow in Beijing.

"In the current situation, we believe that all parties should maintain calm and restraint to avoid escalating the Iran nuclear situation, or even walking towards confrontation and conflict," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated in a regular briefing.

Beijing is set to host trilateral discussions on Friday, bringing together China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.

The talks come amid stalled efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement, which imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The United States withdrew from the deal during President Donald Trump’s first tenure, and while Tehran initially remained committed to its terms, it later began rolling back its obligations.

According to Beijing, the upcoming discussions aim to "strengthen communication and coordination, to resume dialogue and negotiation at an early time."

"China sincerely hopes that all parties can work together, continuously increase mutual trust and dispel misgivings, and turn the momentum of restarting dialogue and negotiation into reality at an early date," Mao added.

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