China criticises US' 34% tariff hike, calls it violation of WTO rules

ANI April 4, 2025 267 views

The United States has imposed a controversial 34% tariff on Chinese imports, sparking strong diplomatic tensions. China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun strongly criticized the move as a violation of World Trade Organization rules. Beijing has promised to defend its economic interests and urged the US to resolve differences through dialogue and mutual respect. The tariff dispute represents an escalating trade conflict with potentially significant global economic implications.

"Trade and tariff wars have no winners" - Guo Jiakun, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Beijing, April 4: In response to the US' decision to impose a 34 per cent tariff on imports from China, the country strongly criticised the move, calling it a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and a threat to the multilateral trading system.

Key Points

1

China vows resolute counter-measures against US unilateral tariff hikes

2

US violating international trade principles with protectionist approach

3

Global opposition mounting against Trump's economic emergency declaration

When asked about the US' order to impose tariffs on China in a press briefing, Guo Jiakun, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said on Thursday, "The US announced tariff hikes on imports from many countries, including China, under the pretext of reciprocity. This gravely violates WTO rules and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system. China firmly rejects this and will do what is necessary to defend our legitimate rights and interests."

Guo emphasised that "trade and tariff wars have no winners" and urged the US to resolve its trade differences through consultation based on "equality, respect, and mutual benefit."

He added, "We have emphasised more than once that trade and tariff wars have no winners. Protectionism leads nowhere. We urge the US to stop doing the wrong thing and resolve trade differences with China and other countries through consultation with equality, respect and mutual benefit."

When asked whether China plans to negotiate with the US side ahead of the April 9 deadline, Guo highlighted the growing international opposition to the US's "unilateral bullying moves."

"Let me stress that the US's unilateral tariff hikes violate WTO rules, undermine the common interests of people of all countries, and do no help to solving its own problem. It is clear that more and more countries have come to stand against the US's tariff hikes and other unilateral bullying moves," he added.

Earlier on Thursday, China's commerce ministry had said that it would take "resolute counter-measures" against the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by United States President Donald Trump on all US trade partners.

"There is no winner in a trade war, and protectionism leads nowhere. China urges the US to immediately remove unilateral tariffs and resolve differences with trade partners through dialogue," a ministry spokesperson said as cited in the Chinese State-owned Global Times.

Amid worldwide criticism, Trump declared a national economic emergency and announced tariffs of at least 10 per cent across all countries, with rates even higher for 60 countries.

The tariff plan imposed high levies on many countries, including 26 per cent on India, 49 per cent on Cambodia, 46 per cent on Vietnam, 34 per cent on China, 24 per cent tariff on Japan, 20 per cent on the EU, US media reported, noting that more than 180 countries and regions will face tariffs.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah L.
This trade war is getting out of hand 😕 Both countries need to sit down and find a solution that benefits everyone. Higher tariffs just mean higher prices for consumers in the end.
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Mike T.
While I understand China's frustration, they've been playing the protectionism game for years with their own trade barriers. Maybe this will finally push both sides to negotiate in good faith.
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Jenny K.
The WTO needs to step in here. If countries keep ignoring trade rules whenever it suits them, the whole system will collapse. This affects global economic stability!
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Raj P.
Interesting how China is now appealing to WTO rules when they've often been accused of violating them. Not defending the US move, but this seems a bit hypocritical.
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Amy S.
As someone working in manufacturing, these tariffs are already causing supply chain nightmares. Companies need stability to plan and invest. This back-and-forth helps no one.
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David W.
The spokesperson makes good points about multilateralism, but I wish China would be more transparent about their own trade practices. Both sides need to give ground here.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
China US Trade War WTO Donald Trump Tariffs International Trade Economic Diplomacy
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