China's Commerce Ministry has firmly opposed the United States' recent threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on goods imported from the Chinese mainland starting March 4. The ministry stated that such unilateral tariffs violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and undermine the multilateral trading system.
The United States has justified its tariff threat by citing concerns over fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. However, China countered that it maintains some of the world's strictest and most rigorously enforced anti-drug policies. Additionally, China highlighted its active participation in international anti-drug cooperation with numerous countries, including the United States.
A spokesperson for China's Commerce Ministry criticized the U.S. for ignoring objective facts, noting that the initial 10% tariff was imposed under the guise of addressing fentanyl-related issues and that the U.S. is now seeking to impose further tariffs on various grounds.
China expressed hope that the United States would abandon its current approach and return to resolving disputes through equitable dialogue. However, the ministry warned that if the U.S. persists in its actions, China will take all necessary countermeasures to defend its legitimate rights and interests.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
