China Commerce Ministry: US provocations will negatively impact US-China trade

China's commerce ministry spokesman, Gao Feng was out on the wires in the last hour, saying that they have been constantly communicating with the US on trade.

Additional quotes:

   •  Believes the US also does not want to see trade war escalating further.
   •  Urges US to respect WTO rules, adopt measures to correct abuses.
   •  US and China discussing details for future talks. 
   •  Believes that any trade escalation is not in the interest of either country.
   •  Hopes US can fairly treat Chinese firms' operations in the US.
   •  Hopes the US does not find excuses for trade protectionism.
   •  Additional tariffs by the US will only hurt interests globally.
   •  China will resolutely defend multilateral trade mechanism.
   •  Hopes the US can resolve the trade dispute with China via dialogue.
   •  US provocations on trade will negatively impact US-China trade.
   •  Chinese exports to the US are high in the first 8 months of the year due to US demand.
   •  Also may be due to frontloading on trade dispute concerns.