Beijing has vowed to take retaliatory action against the U.S. and will file a lawsuit at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over what it calls “wrongful actions” by Washington, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced on February 2.
China: “We Strongly Oppose U.S. Tariffs”
In an official statement, MOFCOM condemned the new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods and promised countermeasures to safeguard China’s national interests.
"China is extremely dissatisfied and strongly opposes the tariffs imposed by the U.S.," the statement read, according to Global Times.
The Chinese government argues that the unilateral tariffs violate WTO rules and will further strain economic and trade cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
“Tariffs Won’t Solve America’s Problems”
MOFCOM urged Washington to "objectively and rationally" address its domestic issues, such as the fentanyl crisis, instead of using tariffs as a coercive tool against other countries.
China’s response follows Trump’s February 1 tariff order, which imposed:
- 25% tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico
- 10% tariffs on Canadian energy
- 10% tariffs on all Chinese goods
The new tariffs, set to take effect on February 4, were justified by Trump as a response to illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Canada & Mexico Join the Trade Fight
Trump’s decision has already triggered major backlash from U.S. trading partners:
- Canada will impose 25% retaliatory tariffs on $106.5 billion worth of U.S. goods, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on February 1.
- Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum also vowed to take action against the White House’s move.
With three of America’s largest trade partners preparing countermeasures, Trump’s tariffs risk igniting a full-scale trade war.
