China says US tariffs indicate ‘unilateralism', 'protectionism’

ISTANBUL

China said Thursday that US tariffs on Chinese products indicate “unilateralism … protectionism,” noting that the penalties do not help American domestic industries, according to local CGTN news channel.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said the tariffs on its products do not contribute to "national security" but underscore the “bullying tactics” of the US.

"Whether it is the 301 tariffs or the 232 tariffs, they have already been ruled by the World Trade Organization dispute settlement mechanism to violate multilateral trade rules," ministry spokeswoman He Yongqian said at a news conference.

Her remarks were made in response to the US’ 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

She said that China has consistently argued that the tariffs, imposed under the pretext of "national security," represent a form of "unilateralism" and "protectionism."

"China, along with many other countries, strongly opposes these measures and urges the United States to cancel Section 232 measures on steel and aluminum as soon as possible," she added.