China's Ministry of Commerce has issued a strong rebuke against recent US trade investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, calling the measures "unilateral and discriminatory." The probes, initiated by the US Trade Representative on March 12 and 13, allege issues related to industrial overcapacity and labor practices in multiple economies, including the Chinese mainland.
A ministry spokesperson stated Friday that China "firmly opposes these actions" and emphasized the country's commitment to defending its rights through "necessary measures." The investigations mark the latest escalation in US-China trade tensions, which have influenced global supply chains and economic forecasts this year.
Section 301, a Cold War-era tool revived in recent US trade policy, allows unilateral tariffs without WTO arbitration. Analysts warn that renewed disputes could destabilize Asia-Pacific markets, where overseas investors have increased activity by 18% since Q4 2025.
