China Calls Trump Tariffs "Discriminatory" in WTO Complaint
In a strongly worded complaint filed with the World Trade Organization (WTO), China has accused the United States of imposing "discriminatory" tariffs on Chinese goods, according to official sources.
The complaint, which was submitted on Friday, alleges that the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on over $200 billion worth of Chinese goods in June 2018, and subsequent rounds of tariffs, have violated international trade laws and damaged China’s economic interests.
China’s complaint argues that the tariffs are "discriminatory" because they target specific Chinese products, such as electronics, machinery, and textiles, while leaving other countries’ goods relatively unaffected. The complaint also claims that the tariffs have caused significant harm to Chinese industries, including textile, footwear, and automotive sectors, and have negatively impacted China’s economy as a whole.
"The United States’ tariffs on Chinese goods are a blatant discriminatory trade measure, clearly targeting China’s industries and companies that are not equivalent to those in the United States or any other country," said a Chinese official, adding that "Such actions will not only harm China, but also the global economy and the rules-based multilateral trading system."
The complaint also challenges the US claims that the tariffs are a response to alleged Chinese intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer, calling these allegations "unfounded" and "baseless".
"We believe that the US claims are merely an excuse to justify the use of tariffs, which are a trade weapon used to bully and intimidate other countries," said another Chinese official.
The move comes as a response to the growing tensions between the two global powers, which have resulted in a cycle of tit-for-tat trade moves, including the imposition of tariffs on each other’s goods.
The complaint is seen as a formal step to escalate the dispute, and could potentially lead to a formal investigation by the WTO, which could ultimately result in the organization ruling in favor of China, potentially canceling or reducing the US tariffs.
The Trump administration has argued that the tariffs are necessary to protect American industries and jobs, citing national security concerns, and has shown little indication of backing down in the face of international pressure.
As the trade tensions continue to simmer, the WTO dispute settlement process is seen as a crucial mechanism to resolve the standoff and restore balance to the global trading system.
In the meantime, China is urging other countries to "stand together" and support China’s efforts to defend its interests, and is calling for a "fair and just" resolution to the trade dispute.
As the dispute continues to unfold, the impact on global trade and economic growth remains a pressing concern, with many experts warning of potential long-term damage to the global economy if the standoff is not addressed promptly.
