China has strongly criticized recent U.S. tariff increases on imported goods from multiple countries, denouncing them as a violation of international trade rules and “unilateral bullying.” The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. and Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang issued coordinated statements on Thursday, calling the measures a threat to the global economic order.
WTO Rules Under Strain
The embassy argued that the U.S. move undermines World Trade Organization principles and ignores decades of multilateral trade negotiations. “The U.S. claims losses in international trade while disregarding its substantial benefits from the global system,” the statement read, emphasizing that the tariffs disrupt balanced agreements between WTO members.
Diplomatic Pushback Intensifies
Ambassador Zheng, speaking at a green bond event in London, warned that tariff weaponization harms all parties. He urged the international community to unite against “protectionist practices” to stabilize trade systems. Zheng reiterated China’s commitment to “resolute countermeasures” should the U.S. proceed with planned duty hikes on Chinese goods.
Path Forward Uncertain
Both statements called for resolving disputes through equitable dialogue, but tensions rise as China prepares retaliatory tariffs set to take effect April 10. Observers warn escalating measures could further destabilize post-pandemic economic recovery efforts across Asia and beyond.
