China says it opposes latest US tariff threat
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The Trump administration is showing signs of a hardening stance towards its strategic rival.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BEIJING - China on Feb 28 said it opposed US President Donald Trump’s latest threat to slap an extra 10 per cent duty
Mr Trump said on Feb 27 that his proposed 25 per cent tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods will take effect on March 4, along with an extra 10 per cent duty on Chinese imports.
The fresh China tariffs, in addition to the 10 per cent tariff levied on Feb 4, coincide with the start of China’s annual parliamentary meetings on March 5, a set-piece political event where Beijing is expected to unveil its main economic priorities for 2025.
“We have repeatedly stated that unilateral tariffs violate World Trade Organisation rules and undermine the multilateral trading system,” a Commerce Ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
“China has one of the strictest and most thoroughly enforced anti-drug policies in the world,” the spokesperson added. “Now, (the US) once again is threatening additional tariffs. This behaviour is nothing more than shifting the blame and shirking responsibility.”
The announcement also leaves Beijing less than a week to publish countermeasures, as the Trump administration shows signs of a hardening stance towards its strategic rival despite backing down on the threat of 60 per cent tariffs when Mr Trump took office.
“China urges the US not to repeat its mistakes and to return to the correct path of resolving disputes through equal dialogue as soon as possible,” the statement said.
“If the US insists on proceeding with this course of action, China will take all necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.” REUTERS
