Q: On April 2 EST, the U.S. issued an executive order announcing that it will impose "reciprocal tariffs" on its major trading partners, including 34-percent tariffs on China (including Hong Kong and Macau). What’s China’s comment?

A: The U.S. announced tariff hikes on imports from many countries, including China, under the pretext of reciprocity. This gravely violates WTO rules, and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system. China firmly rejects this and will continuously do what is necessary to defend our legitimate rights and interests.

We have emphasized more than once that trade and tariff wars have no winners. Protectionism leads nowhere. We urge the U.S. to stop doing the wrong thing, and resolve trade differences with China and other countries through consultation with equality, respect and mutual benefit.

Q: What are the influences of U.S. tariffs on Lesotho-China relations?

A: China always upholds true multilateral, promotes universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and is committed to building an open world economy. China will not impose trade barriers and firmly oppose unilateralism and trade protection. We have given all the least developed countries with which we have diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatments for 100 percent tariff lines since 1 December, 2024. Looking ahead, China will continue to enhance communication and coordination with Lesotho to defend the mutual interests of our two countries no matter how the international landscape may evolve.