In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has formally lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) following the United States' announcement of an additional 10% tariff on selected Chinese products.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce stated on Tuesday that this action aims to safeguard China’s legitimate rights and interests. The spokesperson further criticized the U.S. measure, alleging that it seriously violates WTO rules and exemplifies unilateralism and trade protectionism.
The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. decision undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, erodes the foundation of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, and disrupts the stability of global industrial and supply chains. This stance reflects China's commitment to maintaining orderly and stable international trade practices.
Highlighting the broader implications, the spokesperson noted that the United States has consistently prioritized unilateral actions over multilateral cooperation, drawing strong condemnation from the majority of WTO members. "China firmly opposes the U.S. actions and urges the U.S. side to immediately rectify its wrongdoings," the spokesperson asserted.
As a staunch supporter and significant contributor to the multilateral trading system, China expressed its readiness to collaborate with other WTO members to address the challenges posed by unilateralism and trade protectionism. The spokesperson concluded by reaffirming China’s dedication to safeguarding the orderly and stable development of international trade.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com