China accuses US of protectionism and economic bullying
A foreign ministry spokesman said Donald Trump’s tariffs harmed the stability of global production and supply chains.
China has accused the US of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying over tariffs.
Foreign affairs spokesman Lin Jian told reporters: “Putting the US first over international rules is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying.”
US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs last week, prompting China and other governments to retaliate quickly.
Mr Trump put an additional 34% tariff on Chinese goods as part of “Liberation Day”, coming on top of two rounds of 10% tariffs already declared in February and March, which the US leader said was due to Beijing’s role in the fentanyl crisis.
In response, China suspended sorghum, poultry and bonemeal imports from some American companies.
The latest retaliatory moves from Beijing include more export controls on rare earth minerals, which are critical for various technologies, and filing a lawsuit at the World Trade Organisation.
Mr Lin said the new tariffs harmed the stability of global production and supply chains and would have a serious impact on the world’s economic recovery.
“Pressure and threats are not the way to deal with China. China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” he added.
Beijing struck a note of confidence even as markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai tumbled. The People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s official mouthpiece, had strong words. “The sky won’t fall,” it declared, even if the US tariffs have an impact.
“Faced with the indiscriminate punches of US taxes, we know what we are doing and we have tools at our disposal,” it added.
It is unknown if China’s leader, Xi Jinping, will meet with Mr Trump to make a deal on the tariffs. Mr Lin directed questions about a possible meeting to other departments.
Over the weekend, Chinese government officials met a slew of American business representatives including for Tesla, GE Healthcare and others.
Ling Ji, a vice minister of commerce, said at the meeting with the 20 American companies: “The root of the tariff problem is in the US.
“We hope the American companies can address the problem at its root, … issue reasonable statements, take concrete actions, and work together to safeguard the stability of the global supply chain.”
The minister also promised that China will remain open to foreign investment and that it is safe to invest.
