China files complaint with WTO over Trump tariffs
Beijing has called for global unity in opposition to Trump's aggressive trade policies and emphasized its determination to "fight until the end."
China has officially filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the recent imposition of severe tariffs by the United States.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce made this announcement on Wednesday, accusing US President Donald Trump of employing "bullying" tactics in the trade dispute.
Beijing's action reflects growing frustration with the escalating trade tensions between the two global economic powers.
The latest set of tariffs introduced by the US came into effect on Wednesday, hitting China the hardest. As a result, the levies on Chinese goods have now surged to an unprecedented 104%, further exacerbating the trade conflict.
This move underscores the intensifying economic battle between the two countries, with both sides engaged in a tit-for-tat exchange of tariffs and trade restrictions.
In response, Beijing raised its tariffs on American goods to 84%, a significant increase from the original 34%, escalating the tit-for-tat standoff to even greater heights.
Beijing has called for global unity in opposition to Trump's aggressive trade policies and emphasized its determination to "fight until the end."
Labeling the escalating series of tariffs imposed on China since February as "a serious error," a spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce argued that the cumulative measures highlight the "unilateral and bullying nature of US actions."
"China has begun legal proceedings through the World Trade Organization's (WTO) dispute settlement mechanism," the spokesperson stated, according to the Xinhua news agency.
"China will resolutely protect its legitimate rights and interests in line with WTO regulations and firmly uphold the multilateral trading system as well as the global economic and trade order," the spokesperson added.
Several countries have already lodged complaints with the WTO, asserting that the high tariffs imposed by Trump breach international trade rules.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has limited flexibility, and its dispute resolution system has been weakened over time, particularly due to Washington's obstruction of the appointment of new judges.