China opposes US tariffs on Chinese imports

China’s government has condemned the Trump administration's decision to impose a long-anticipated 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports.

China is still leaving room for potential talks with the US to prevent further escalation, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Beijing announced it would challenge President Donald Trump's tariff at the World Trade Organisation, which is largely symbolic, and would take unspecified “countermeasures” in response to the levy, set to take effect on February 4.

China's response was more restrained compared to the sharp escalation seen during its previous trade conflict with Trump in his first term, continuing the more measured tone Beijing has adopted in recent weeks. On Saturday, Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with 10 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods, citing Beijing's failure to curb the flow of fentanyl, a dangerous opioid, into the US. 

In contrast to the heated rhetoric and direct retaliation from Canada, a longstanding US ally, and Mexico, the largest destination for US exports, China’s response was notably more subdued. China's commerce ministry issued a statement saying that Trump's action seriously violates international trade regulations, calling on the US to engage in open dialogue and enhance cooperation.

On February 1, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from Canada, China, and Mexico. A 25 per cent tariff will be applied to imports from Mexico and Canada (with a 10 per cent tariff specifically on Canadian energy resources), while additional tariffs of 10 per cent will be imposed on Chinese products. These measures will take effect on February 4.

By Naila Huseynova