China, UK discuss response to US tariffs and strengthening trade cooperation

On April 11, Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce, Ling Ji, engaged in talks with Douglas Alexander, the UK Secretary of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security.

They discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and measures to counter the tariff increases imposed by US President Donald Trump.

The meeting, as announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce, focused on the challenges presented by the new US tariffs and the mutual efforts needed to bolster trade relations, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Alexander, who arrived in China to attend the 5th China International Consumer Goods Expo in Haikou, Hainan Province, was welcomed by Ling Ji. The officials agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, with a shared commitment to reinforcing supply chains amid growing global uncertainties.

Ling Ji emphasized China's stance on openness and a multilateral approach to trade, noting that these principles represent "the only solution in response to protectionist challenges." He expressed concern that the tariff measures announced by President Trump marked a "serious deviation" from the global trading system. According to Ling, China’s countermeasures are a necessary response to protect its national interests in the face of these new trade barriers.

“China is ready to work with the United Kingdom to support the multilateral trading system, and to contribute to greater certainty and stability in the global economy,” Lin Ji concluded during the discussions.

The conversation follows President Trump's announcement on April 2 of a significant trade escalation, with tariffs on goods from 185 countries and regions, including a 34% tariff on Chinese goods. In retaliation, China approved additional tariffs of 34% on all American products starting from April 10.

In response to further US measures, President Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 104% unless China agrees to a trade deal with the United States. China, in turn, raised tariffs on US products to 84%. On the heels of this exchange, Trump announced that the US would further increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%. In response, Beijing declared that it would implement symmetrical countermeasures starting on April 12.