(Yicai Global) March 29 -- China noted the U.S. Trade Representative's remarks on extending the time period for public comment on new trade tariffs on Chinese imports for another month but hopes the world's largest economy will follow the historical trend of economic globalization and trade and investment liberalization. China will challenge protectionist trade policies, said the country's ministry of commerce. 

China's position on new U.S. trade tariffs has not changed, said Gao Feng, spokesman for China's ministry of commerce, in a press briefing today despite U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the public consultation period for new tariffs on imports from China will be increased to 60 days from 30 days.

China urges the U.S. to abandon unilateralism and trade protectionism and take practical measures to resolve any differences through dialogue and negotiation to maintain the sound operation of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, Gao said.

"We'll go through a 60-day period where we'll give the public a chance to comment on the good and the bad things in there," US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said in an interview with U.S. cable channel CNBC. This means the U.S. will not impose tariffs on China before June. It is likely that China and the U.S. will avoid a tariff war through negotiation, he added.