China rejected calls from the United States to mobilize Group of Twenty (G20) nations in addressing its record trade surplus, emphasizing a commitment to opening its market and opposing unilateral trade measures. The exchange unfolded ahead of President Xi Jinping’s scheduled visit to the United States later this month.

At a Beijing press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to remarks made by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who urged G20 members to reconsider their trade relations with China. Bessent highlighted concerns over China’s $1.2 trillion goods trade surplus in 2023 and called for a coordinated international effort to address what he described as significant trade imbalances.

“China never deliberately pursues a trade surplus and opposes unilateral tariff measures in all forms,” Guo stated, underscoring that China aims to provide “new opportunities to all, including the United States,” through “high-standard opening up.” He stressed that pending trade issues should be resolved through dialogue based on equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit, in an effort to preserve positive momentum in bilateral trade relations.

Bessent’s comments, made ahead of a G20 ministerial meeting of finance officials and central bank governors, reflect ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over trade practices and economic policy. His call for collective action followed recent U.S. tariff measures targeting imports from multiple countries, including China. Last month, the United States imposed additional tariffs of 10 to 12.5 percent on goods from 60 economies after a forced labor investigation, applying the highest rate to Chinese products. Reports also indicate Washington is contemplating an extra 7.5 percent levy on Chinese goods, citing concerns over excess manufacturing capacity.

China’s substantial trade surplus has drawn scrutiny from Western governments. The European Union has issued a warning that it may adopt measures if engagement with China fails to yield “tangible results” on reducing trade imbalances by October.

As the two economic powers prepare for high-level talks during Xi’s U.S. visit on September 24, the contrasting positions underscore the challenges in achieving consensus on trade issues amidst broader geopolitical frictions.