China refuses subjugation, will continue defending interests: Official

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
5 Apr 2025 19:53

China asserts that it will defend its sovereignty and interests, following major tariffs imposed by the United States.

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Chinese and United States flags are flown outside the China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, Nov. 27, 2024 (AP)

Pressure and threats are not the proper way to engage with China, and Beijing will continue to take firm action to defend its sovereignty and development interests, the Chinese government stated on Saturday.

This came after the United States drastically raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 54% earlier in the week. In response, China’s State Council on Friday announced an additional 34% tariff on all US goods, effective April 10.

"We do not provoke trouble, but we are not afraid of it either. Pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China. China is already taking and will continue to take decisive measures to protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests," the government said in a statement carried by state broadcaster China Central Television.

The US tariff hike, according to the statement, constitutes a serious breach of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, and threatens the stability of the global economic order.

"The Chinese government strongly condemns and firmly opposes this," the statement added.

Chinese officials also urged Washington to stop using tariffs as a tool to suppress China’s economy and trade and to cease infringing on the Chinese people’s right to development.

Yesterday, China condemned Trump's decision, with its State Council Tariff Commission issuing a statement saying, “This practice of the US is not in line with international trade rules, seriously undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests, and is a typical unilateral bullying practice."

In addition to the new tariff, China has imposed export controls on seven rare earth minerals, including gadolinium, which is used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Yttrium, which is commonly used in consumer electronics.

Moreover, China added 11 companies to its unreliable companies list, including US drone manufacturer Skydio, and imposed controls on some Chinese exports to 16 US companies.

Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries prompted friend and foe alike to respond to the levies, which are causing a shakeup in the global economic system.