In a swift retaliation to the US government's recent decision to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all Chinese exports, China announced multiple countermeasures on Tuesday, citing concerns over fentanyl.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce revealed that China has formally filed a case under the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism against the latest US tariff hike, which follows the initial 10 percent tariff announced on February 1.
Export Controls and Tariff Hikes Target US Entities
China has added 15 US entities, including Leidos, to its export control list. These entities are now prohibited from receiving dual-use items from China, and any ongoing exports must be halted immediately. Special export cases will require approval from the Ministry of Commerce.
Additionally, ten US companies, including TCOM, have been placed on China's \"unreliable entity list.\" These companies are now banned from engaging in import and export activities with China and from making new investments in the country.
Effective February 4, 2025, US company Illumina Inc. has also been added to the unreliable entity list, restricting the export of gene sequencing devices to China.
Starting March 10, 2025, China will impose additional tariffs on a range of US imports. The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced a 15 percent tariff on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, while sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products will face a ten percent tariff. These additional tariffs will be applied on top of existing duties, with current bonded, duty-free policies remaining unchanged. Shipments departing before March 10 and arriving in China between March 10 and April 12 will be exempt from the additional tariffs.
China's Foreign Ministry Responds
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the issue during a press briefing on Tuesday. Lin affirmed that the tariff increases were a legitimate response to protect China's interests and emphasized that the root cause of the fentanyl problem lies within the US. He highlighted China's humanitarian efforts to assist the US in combating the crisis.
Lin criticized the US for shifting blame onto China, labeling the tariff increase as a form of pressure and extortion. He stressed that such actions would not resolve the US's domestic issues and would severely damage cooperation between the two countries in the fight against drug trafficking.
\"China does not fear coercion or bullying,\" Lin stated. \"If the US insists on escalating tensions through tariffs or other confrontational tactics, China will respond accordingly. We urge the US to abandon its bullying approach and return to dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect.\"
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
