China expresses grave concern over US 'reckless' tariffs at WTO

GENEVA -- China on Wednesday expressed grave concern and firm opposition to the United States' "reckless" tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

On the first day of a two-day meeting of the Council for Trade in Goods, China proposed a discussion on the US "reciprocal tariffs", urging the United States to uphold the WTO rules, so as to avoid negative impact on global economy and the multilateral trading system.

In its speaking, China slammed the US tariff policy, saying it violates WTO rules and undermines the multilateral trading system.

The rules of multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core, serve as the indispensable foundation for global trade, and the most favored nation (MFN)-based tariff commitments ensure trade is conducted transparently, predictably and without discrimination, said China.

The US trade measures violate the MFN principle and contravene its own tariff binding commitments under WTO rules, said China, noting the measures are "a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying."

In addition, China said the United States is a key beneficiary of the multilateral trading system, and described assessing its gains solely through trade deficits or surpluses in goods as a narrow and misleading approach.

The "reciprocal tariffs" will never be a cure for trade imbalances. Instead, they will backfire, harming the United States itself, China said.

Emphasizing its belief that all trade disputes should be resolved through the WTO's established mechanisms, China called on all WTO members to stand together in safeguarding the rules-based multilateral trading system.

China's statement was echoed by dozens of WTO members, including the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Canada, Kazakhstan, Britain and Brazil, which took the floor to voice their disapproval of the US measures.

The EU said US tariffs constitute "a major blow to the world economy and the multilateral trading system", noting such tariffs will not fix the global trade imbalances.

Some members said the tariff actions could lead to increased trade tensions and instability, stressing the importance of resolving trade disputes through dialogue and cooperation within the WTO framework.