China voices serious concerns over Malaysia-US reciprocal trade deal

China has serious concerns regarding parts of the Malaysia-U.S. agreement on reciprocal trade, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

While China welcomes Malaysia's move to resolve differences with other countries through trade agreements, any such pact must not hinder global trade development or regional cooperation, nor should it harm China's interests, a spokesperson for the ministry said in response to a media query.

The spokesperson made the remarks following bilateral communication on relevant matters between officials of the commerce ministry and Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in Beijing on Nov. 25.

China urged Malaysia to consider its own long-term interests and handle the matter properly, the spokesperson said.

In response, Malaysia has provided point-by-point clarifications regarding China's concerns. It also noted that it values its long-term partnership with China, and is willing to continue deepening bilateral economic and trade cooperation, according to the spokesperson.