Beijing says 'trade wars benefit no one' after U.S. tariffs

China has strongly refuted the latest round of U.S. tariffs targeting numerous economies, asserting that "trade wars benefit no one." The tariffs, set between 10% and 12.5%, were announced by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and are justified by Washington's claim that the targeted countries have failed to implement adequate measures against forced labor.

Lin Jian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during a press conference that Beijing's stance on economic and trade issues with Washington remains "constant and clear." He added, "China opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures." The new tariff scheme replaces a temporary global tariff that was set to expire.

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China opposes all forms of unilateral tariff measures.

The imposition of these tariffs occurs amidst ongoing economic and trade dialogue between Beijing and Washington, following U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit to China in May. Both countries have been discussing the structure and functions of a new bilateral Trade Council, with Chinese officials indicating that economic teams are maintaining "fluid communication."

This latest tariff escalation follows a period of intense trade disputes between the world's two largest economies, which saw reciprocal tariffs exceeding 100% last year, leading to a de facto trade embargo before subsequent truces. Despite ongoing friction over tariffs, technology controls, rare earths, Taiwan, and restrictions on Chinese firms, both nations have strived to maintain contact in various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, aviation, and military security.

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Trade wars benefit no one.