China vows to defend 'justice' in looming trade talks with US

A Ford Mustang is seen at a used car dealership in Montebello, California on May 5, 2025. Ford reported a 65 percent drop in first-quarter profits May 5, 2025, citing a near-term drag on auto sales from new vehicle launches, as it withdrew its forecast amid tariff uncertainty. [AFP]

China vowed Wednesday to defend "justice" in upcoming trade talks with the United States -- their first since Donald Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs that shook global markets.

Since the US president returned to the White House in January, his administration has imposed tariffs totalling 145 percent on goods from China, with some sector-specific measures stacked on top.