China not interested in trade war with US - Premier Li Keqiang

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has reaffirmed Beijing’s stance that a global trade war would not be beneficial for anyone, ahead of a widely-anticipated meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping next month.

US President Trump and Chinese leader Xi are expected to hold a two-day summit in the former’s Mar-a-Lago resort from 6-7 April in which they will discuss matters of mutual importance between Beijing and Washington.

Speaking at the final day of the national people’s congress in China, Li expressed optimism about the future for relations between the two countries.

"China doesn't want to see a trade war with the US," Li said.

"This relationship is crucial not just for China and the US but also for regional and global peace and security," he said.

Trump swept to victory in the election last November on promises of ripping up and renegotiating the trade deals that the US was involved in, specifically focusing on those involving China and Mexico.

His administration has also clashed with Beijing over issues such as the South China Sea, and his expression of doubt regarding the 'One China' policy.

Of the latter, Li said that "this policy constitutes the political foundation of China-U.S. relations, and cannot and must not be shaken by vicissitudes."