BEIJING - Relevant authorities from China and the United States have been maintaining communication on trade issues, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

The remarks were made during a regular press conference in response to a question about whether the two countries had set a date for meetings on trade matters.

ALSO READ: China rejects US pressure in trade relations

China has always advocated that differences and disputes in the economic and trade fields should be addressed with a positive and cooperative attitude, and that both sides should strengthen communication through equal dialogue to find mutually acceptable solutions, the spokesperson said.

However, any communication and consultation must be based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, the spokesperson emphasized, noting that threats and coercion will only backfire.

The spokesperson urged the United States to work together with China on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, and return to the right path of resolving issues through dialogue and consultation.

READ MORE: China envoy to US: Maximum pressure, tariff wars won't work

Also on Thursday, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian said the accumulation of US tariffs on Chinese products does not contribute to so-called "national security," nor does it assist US domestic industries, but merely highlights the unilateralism, protectionism, and bullying practices of the United States.

"Whether it is the 301 tariffs or the 232 tariffs, they have already been ruled by the World Trade Organization dispute settlement mechanism to violate multilateral trade rules," Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian told the press when asked to comment on the US imposing additional tariffs on China.

Regarding the US administration's 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which are already in effect, He stated that China had already expressed its stance on the US Section 232 tariffs.

READ MORE: China-US business ties emphasized

The spokesperson said that China has always believed that the tariffs on steel and aluminum under Section 232 are unilateralism and protectionism under the guise of "national security."

"China, along with many other countries, strongly opposes these measures and urges the United States to cancel Section 232 measures on steel and aluminum as soon as possible," He said.