China has vowed to retaliate against the 34% reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on Wednesday, denouncing the move as an “act of US bullying” and pledging to protect its national interests.
A day after the White House announcement, the Chinese Commerce Ministry issued a statement strongly opposing the decision, stating: “China strongly opposed the move and will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
“The so-called reciprocal tariffs have violated international trade rules and undermined the legitimate rights and interests of relevant parties. They are a typical act of unilateral bullying,” the ministry added.
Speaking in the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said, “We’re going to be charging a discounted reciprocal tariff of 34 per cent.”
Trump claimed China imposed tariffs of 67% on US imports, arguing that the figure included the effects of currency manipulation and trade barriers.
The newly imposed 34% tariffs on Chinese imports comprise a 10% universal baseline plus an additional 24% specific to China. The 10% tariff will take effect on April 5, while the higher reciprocal tariffs will be enforced from April 9.
Trump had previously justified additional trade tariffs on China as a measure to pressure Beijing over its role in the fentanyl supply chain, but he did not reiterate this argument on Wednesday.
“I have great respect for President Xi Jinping of China, great respect for China, but they were taking tremendous advantage,” Trump said.
Despite escalating trade tensions, Beijing and Washington have maintained communication channels at various levels, particularly in the run-up to Wednesday’s announcement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held a high-profile meeting with foreign business leaders on March 28, including American executives such as FedEx’s Rajesh Subramaniam.
Days earlier, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Vice Premier He Lifeng met pro-Trump Senator Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana, urging further efforts to sustain diplomatic and trade dialogues.
However, even lawmakers critical of Trump’s tariffs acknowledged a distinction between imposing them on China and targeting US allies such as Canada.
“Probably when we’re treated poorly across the board, like with China, a broader approach might be necessary,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer ahead of Trump’s announcement.
Follow us
