China denounces US 'reciprocal tariffs,' stresses need for global cooperation

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong says US tariffs violate WTO rules, disrupt global economy, and show economic bullying

The Chinese government has strongly condemned the United States’ recent imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" ranging from 10% to 50% on its trading partners, calling the move harmful to international trade and global economic stability. According to the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, the tariffs violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, disrupt the international economic order, and are a clear example of unilateralism and economic bullying.

The tariffs, announced by the US earlier this week, aim to retaliate against perceived unfair trade practices. However, Ambassador Jiang highlighted that such actions run counter to the fundamental principles of international trade, which are based on fairness, equality, and mutual respect. “The United States is using tariffs as a weapon for selfish gain, disregarding the interests of other countries and undermining the multilateral trading system,” Jiang said in a statement.

He further pointed out that the US's approach is not only detrimental to global trade but also threatens the livelihoods of people around the world. According to the WTO Director-General, the tariffs could lead to a contraction of around 1% in global merchandise trade volumes this year, which would have significant economic ramifications.

“The United States is prioritizing its own narrow interests over the collective well-being of the international community,” he added. “This is a textbook example of protectionism and economic bullying, which will only lead to harm for the global economy.”

In response to the US’s actions, China has already implemented countermeasures, including imposing a 34% tariff on all US imports. Additionally, the Chinese government has filed a lawsuit with the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism and placed certain US entities on an "unreliable entity list."

Ambassador Jiang emphasised that China remains committed to defending its sovereignty and development interests, while also calling for dialogue and cooperation with the international community. “Pressure and threats are not the way to engage with China,” he stated. “China will continue to open its doors wider to the world, providing opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Highlighting the broader implications of such trade disputes, he further stressed the importance of global solidarity. “For any country to achieve modernization, it must pursue common development through cooperation,” he said, echoing remarks made by President Xi Jinping on the importance of a collaborative, win-win approach to global trade.

The ambassador called on countries around the world to unite against protectionist measures and to support the multilateral trading system, particularly the WTO. "We must strengthen cooperation and solidarity, support a fair and open global economy, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind," Jiang concluded.

Despite the challenges posed by the US’s actions, China remains steadfast in its commitment to global economic cooperation, Jiang affirmed. “There are no winners in trade wars, and protectionism will lead to a dead end. The world must continue moving forward together, with fairness and mutual benefit at the core of all trade relations,” he added.