China has vowed to take “all necessary measures” to protect its interests following the United States’ decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium imports, escalating trade tensions between the two economic giants.
Reacting to the tariffs, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning criticised the move, stating that protectionism was not a viable solution.
“China has always believed that protectionism offers no way out and that there are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” Mao said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
She further accused the US of undermining global trade norms, asserting that its actions were detrimental to international economic stability.
“The United States’ actions seriously violate (World Trade Organization) rules, seriously damage the rules-based multilateral trading system and are not conducive to solving the problem,” said Mao.
She warned that Beijing would not stand idle, pledging that “China will also take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
The 25 per cent duties on steel and aluminium imports, imposed by US President Donald Trump, took effect at 0401 GMT on Wednesday, signalling a new phase in the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and its major trading partners.
Although China is the world’s leading steel manufacturer, it is not a primary exporter of steel to the United States. However, the move adds to an already strained trade relationship between the two nations.
Earlier this month, Trump increased a blanket tariff on all Chinese imports from 10 per cent to 20 per cent, prompting Beijing to impose retaliatory levies on select US agricultural products.
With both sides standing firm, the latest tariffs are expected to deepen trade tensions, potentially affecting global markets.
