On July 24, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference.
A journalist asked whether the new round of tariffs in the United States would take effect today. Can the Ministry of Foreign Affairs make any comments on this?
Lin Jian said that China's position on Sino-US economic and trade issues is consistent and clear. China opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures. A tariff war or trade war does not serve the interests of either side.
Some journalists asked whether China would take countermeasures against the US tariff measures.
Lin Jian said that he has already explained China's relevant position.
According to Nanda Morning Post, on July 23 local time, the United States announced a new round of tariffs on 60 countries and regions, including China, Japan, South Korea, India, and EU member states.
The tariff rates range from 10% to 12.5%, and these rates are the result of the United States’ investigation into forced labor under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Washington argues that the existing measures fail to prevent products involving forced labor from entering the supply chain.
U.S. Trade Representative Jaime Johnson Greer said in his statement, “The actions taken today will begin to correct practices that violate human rights and distort trade, thereby improving the welfare of workers around the world.”
Reports indicate that China will face a tariff rate of 12.5%; Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and the European Union will be subject to tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5%. Countries such as Canada, Mexico, India, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom will be subject to an additional 10% tariff on top of the existing U.S. import tariffs.
