05 February 2025
China strongly opposes the US imposing tariffs on its goods, arguing that no one will win in a trade or tariff war.
"China is very dissatisfied and strongly opposes it," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on February 5, referring to the US imposing tariffs on Chinese goods.
Lin said China wants to have "fair dialogue and consultations as well as mutual respect" with the US. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman also emphasized that their retaliatory tariffs are a necessary measure "to protect their legitimate rights and interests."
"No one wins in a trade or tariff war," Lin stressed.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing in November 2024. Photo: Reuters
From February 4, the US imposed an additional 10% import tariff on all Chinese goods due to Beijing's failure to stop fentanyl smuggling into the US. However, President Donald Trump has left open the possibility of discussing this issue with Chinese officials.
China immediately responded by announcing import tariffs on US goods from February 10. US coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be subject to a 15% tariff, and crude oil and some agricultural machinery will face a 10% tariff.
Spokesman Lin Jian rejected the US's fentanyl accusations, stating that China is "one of the countries with the strictest drug crime policies."
"Fentanyl is a US problem, and its roots lie within the US," Lin said.
In his first term, Trump also launched a trade war with China, imposing a 25% tariff on about $300 billion worth of Chinese goods. China retaliated with similar policies and stopped purchasing many US agricultural products.
Ngoc Anh (According to AFP)
