In a recent statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce urged the United States to cease using tariffs as a coercive tool in international trade. Ministry spokesperson He Yadong expressed deep concern over the U.S. announcement to impose \"reciprocal tariffs\" on its trading partners.
He emphasized that international trade should be based on each country’s resource endowments and comparative advantages, aiming to promote global economic growth and enhance the welfare of people worldwide. The spokesperson criticized the U.S. move, stating that it violates World Trade Organization rules and disregards nearly 80 years of multilateral trade negotiations.
He Yadong highlighted that the U.S. approach exemplifies unilateralism and protectionism, ignoring the significant benefits it has long enjoyed from international trade. This strategy, he warned, could severely damage the multilateral trading system, disrupt global supply chains, and introduce tremendous uncertainty into normal international economic and trade activities.
Many countries have explicitly voiced opposition to the U.S. approach, according to He. He concluded by stating, \"A trade war offers no way out and produces no winners. The United States should correct its erroneous practices and work with all countries to find solutions through equal consultation.\"
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Commerce ministry urges U.S. to stop using tariffs as coercive tool
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