China condemns US tariffs

Beijing has stressed that there are no winners in trade wars, calling on Washington to return to dialogue

Beijing is firmly opposed to US President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese goods, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday. China instead urges the US to engage in negotiations, Lin said. 

Trump previously announced a new 10% tariff on all Chinese products, which comes on top of existing duties on goods from the country. The US president has cited concerns over trade imbalances and fentanyl-related drug trafficking as the reasoning for the new levies, claiming that the measures were necessary to protect American interests.

In response, China has imposed retaliatory tariffs on key US exports, including a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on crude oil and agricultural machinery. Additionally, Beijing has launched an antitrust investigation into Google, signaling potential regulatory action against US tech firms.

During a regular press briefing on Wednesday, Lin reiterated China’s opposition and stressed that there are no winners in trade wars, insisting that pressure will not work on Beijing. The spokesman called on the US to reverse its tariff decision and resolve its concerns through equal consultations and promote the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of Sino-US relations.

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Trump has dismissed any urgency in addressing the dispute, stating on Tuesday that he is in “no rush” to speak with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping. The White House has confirmed that Xi has reached out for discussions, though no meeting has been scheduled.

Trump previously also imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports but later suspended them following negotiations on border security and drug trafficking concerns.

He has also threatened tariffs on the European Union unless it increases purchases of American oil and gas. European leaders have since warned against a trade war. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen has emphasized that the bloc is prepared to do what is necessary to protect its interests.