The Chinese government has strongly condemned the United States’ recent imposition of “reciprocal tariffs,” labeling the move as unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.
In a statement released on Saturday, China criticized the US for prioritizing its own interests at the expense of the global community. “Under the guise of pursuing ‘reciprocity’ and ‘fairness,’ the US is engaging in zero-sum games, essentially seeking ‘America First’ and ‘American exceptionalism’,” the statement said.
US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday a new set of levies, imposing a 10% baseline tariff on imports from all trading partners, with higher rates on certain ones. These tariffs are set to take effect on April 5 and April 9, respectively.
In response, China announced on Friday that it would impose additional 34% tariffs on all products imported from the US starting April 10, matching the US tariffs on Chinese imports.
“China has taken and will continue to take resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests,” the government stated. It urged the US to cease using tariffs as a means to suppress China’s economic growth and to respect the legitimate development rights of the Chinese people.
Commitment to Openness and Global Trade
The Chinese government reaffirmed its commitment to opening up its economy. “As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer goods market, China will only open its doors wider to the world, no matter how the international landscape changes,” the statement read.
China pledged to advance high-level opening up by expanding institutional openness in areas such as rules, regulations, management, and standards. The government aims to implement policies that promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, fostering a business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized.
“Economic globalization is an inevitable path for human development,” the statement emphasized. China called for open cooperation and warned against a return to isolation and fragmentation.
Call for International Cooperation
The Chinese government highlighted the importance of a multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization (WTO). It urged nations to uphold principles of extensive consultation and shared benefits, opposing unilateralism and protectionism.
“There are no winners in trade wars or tariff wars, and protectionism offers no way forward,” the statement declared. China expressed confidence that the majority of countries would “stand on the right side of history” and make choices aligned with their own interests.
“What we need in today’s world is justice, not hegemony,” the government concluded. “Development is a universal right of all countries, not a privilege reserved for only a few.”
