China Rejects US "Bullying and Economic Coercion" Over Trade with Russia

China has strongly denounced the US for imposing additional tariffs on Chinese imports, describing the move as a form of "unilateralism, bullying and economic coercion." The criticism comes in response to Washington's calls for G7 and NATO member nations to impose tariffs on Chinese goods due to Beijing's continued trade with Russia. China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, emphasized that China's trade with Russia is legitimate and lawful, and that the US action undermines international trade rules and global industrial and supply chains.

Key Takeaways:

• China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lin Jian, called the US move a form of "unilateralism, bullying and economic coercion" aimed at disrupting international trade rules and global supply chains.
• Lin stated that China's trade with Russia is legitimate and lawful, and that most countries, including the US and those in Europe, continue to trade with Russia, citing the World Trade Organization's rules and market principles.
• China has advocated a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and firmly opposes moves that impose restrictions on China or hurt its legitimate rights and interests.
• China has rejected the idea that it can be coerced into changing its trade policies, with Lin stating that "if China's legitimate rights and interests are harmed, China will resolutely take countermeasures to safeguard our sovereignty, security and development interests."
• Beijing has expressed openness to communication with the US, but has criticized its approach to international trade, saying it undermines global stability and security.
• China has also expressed opposition to Mexico's planned tariffs on Chinese goods, advocating for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

Statistics:

• 50%: The planned tariffs on Chinese goods mentioned by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
• G7 and NATO member nations: The number of countries that the US has called on to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports.

Sources:

• "China rejects US 'bullying and economic coercion': foreign ministry spokesman." Reuters. 2023.
• "China urges countries to reject US coercion over trade with Russia." Al Jazeera. 2023.
• "China strongly criticizes US' decision on trade tariffs." People's Daily. 2023.