China finally issued a rather strong statement in response to Trump’s initiative to impose 25% tariffs on USD 200B in Chinese imports. The Ministry of Commerce criticized the US for playing a “two handed” strategy. Firstly, the US spread rumors of re-engagement. Secondly, it announced the above tariff intention. the MOFCOM condemned the US for “disregarding the interests of the whole world, as well as those of the common Americans, businessmen and consumers”. And China emphasized that such practice will have “no effect on China”.
MOFCOM also pledged that China is “fully prepared for counter-measures to defend the country’s dignity and the interests of the people, defend free trade and the multilateral system, and defend the common interests of all countries in the world”. And it reiterated the stance on resolving differences through dialogue, “but only under the principal of equality and keeping promises”.
