Initiates legal process with WTO over Trump’s tariff

China has initiated legal proceedings with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over an additional 10% U.S. tariff on Chinese goods, the Commerce Ministry announced yesterday.

The “unilateral imposition of tariffs by the United States violates WTO rules and undermines the foundation of China-US economic and trade cooperation,” the ministry noted, expressing Beijing’s “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to Washington’s action, according to the state media Xinhua News Agency.

Also, a spokesman for the country yesterday hit back at U.S. President Donald Trump, saying the fentanyl issue was a flimsy excuse to raise U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

“If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end”, Beijing vowed.

“Intimidation does not scare us. Bullying does not work on us. Pressuring, coercion or threats are not the right way of dealing with China. Anyone using maximum pressure on China is picking the wrong guy and miscalculating. If the U.S. truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China by treating each other as equals.

“China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests in accordance with WTO rules, and defend the multilateral trading system and the international economic and trade order,” said the ministry.

In a tit-for-tat move, China will also impose additional tariffs on certain US farm products, the state media reported. A 15% tariff will be levied on imported chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, while a %10 tariff will apply to sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.


https://guardian.ng/features/culture/u-s-tariff-china-vows-to-fight-trade-war-till-the-end/