China has warned US President Donald Trump that any trade war between the two countries will bring nothing but harm.

China’s Commerce Minister Zhong Shan told this to reporters on the sidelines of the Parliament session in Beijing amid concerns that Trump may hike tariffs against Chinese goods.

He said, that cooperation is the only right choice and the two countries should work to enhance it and manage differences. Mr. Zhong expressed the belief that the two countries will make the right judgement on bilateral trade ties.

Zhong Shan held a news conference in Beijing on Saturday on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People’s Congress. He took office last month.

Zhong referred to US President Donald Trump’s pledge to correct his nation’s trade deficit with China. The minister said 56 percent of US soybean exports, 16 percent of US automobile exports, and 15 percent of US semiconductor exports are destined for China.

Zhong said many American and Western friends think that China can’t live without the United States but that’s only half true. He added the United States can’t live without China, either.

Zhong said any form of protectionism is not in line with the interests of the 2 countries and that a trade war will bring nothing but harm.

Zhong said he’d like to meet US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross at an early date. The minister described Ross as an outstanding businessman and an experienced negotiator.

Zhong said he is willing to deal with excellent people because they play the long game and think strategically. The minister added he and Ross share the goal of deepening cooperation and controlling differences in opinion.