The current US administration announced the measures on 1 February (US Eastern Time) under the pretext of problems related to fentanyl.
In an official statement, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that this unilateral action seriously violates World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and will not solve the US’ domestic problems.
Trade and tariff wars have no winners. This action hurts not only both sides, but also the world, he said.
China reiterated that it has one of the strictest and most effective anti-drug policies in the world.
In 2019, at Washington’s request, Beijing became the first country to formally regulate all fentanyl-related substances, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against drugs.
China has provided significant support to the United States in dealing with the fentanyl problem in a humanitarian spirit. The results of this cooperation are evident, the spokesperson’s office stressed.
It also criticised the use of tariff measures instead of dealing with the problem objectively and rationally.
The Chinese government warned that it will take necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
It also urged the US to correct its mistake, safeguard the progress made in anti-drug cooperation and promote a stable, healthy and sustainable bilateral relationship.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order the day before imposing tariffs of 25 per cent on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10 per cent on goods from the Asian giant.
The tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday (4 February).
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