China has called on the United States to abandon its "excessive and generalized" use of national security concerns to justify trade restrictions, warning that such measures risk destabilizing global supply chains and harming both nations. The remarks, made by Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian on Thursday, follow recent U.S. decisions to raise tariffs on steel, aluminum, and related imports to 50%.
"These actions not only harm others but also oneself," He stated during a regular press briefing, emphasizing that unilateral tariffs disrupt multilateral trade rules. He urged Washington to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than a "zero-sum mentality," stressing China\u2019s commitment to upholding consensus from May\u2019s bilateral economic talks in Geneva.
The spokesperson criticized new U.S. restrictions imposed after the talks as a breach of trust, saying they "grossly harm China\u2019s legitimate rights." He reiterated Beijing\u2019s demand for the U.S. to revoke Section 301 tariffs, which he argued burden American businesses and consumers. "Should the U.S. persist, China will take resolute measures to defend its interests," he added.
The exchange highlights growing friction in U.S.-China trade relations, with implications for global markets and industries reliant on stable cross-border supply chains.
