Reacting to the White House’s claim that China now faces tariffs of up to 245% on exports to the United States, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian urged reporters to “ask the US side for specific tax rate figures.”
Addressing a press briefing on Wednesday, Lin reiterated China’s consistent position on the issue, saying that the tariff dispute was initiated by the US. He maintained that Beijing’s countermeasures were taken to safeguard its legitimate rights and uphold international fairness and justice, describing them as both “reasonable and legal.”
Lin emphasized that tariff and trade wars yield no winners. “China does not want to fight these wars, but we are not afraid of them,” he said. Reaffirming China’s stance, he added that the country remains committed to collaboration and removing trade barriers.
In a post on X, Lin said, “In a world full of uncertainties, China remains committed to joining hands, not throwing punches; removing barriers, not erecting walls; promoting connectivity, not pursuing decoupling.”
He also underscored China’s role in the global economy, saying, “China is the world’s market and a source of opportunities for every country.”
Lin’s comments came after the White House released a fact sheet claiming China’s retaliatory tariffs have led to an effective rate of up to 245% on exports to the US. Previously, Chinese exports faced a 145% tariff.
Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on several countries with which the US has trade deficits. However, following talks initiated by many nations, the administration paused the higher tariffs for 90 days—with the exception of China, which retaliated.
The White House noted that more than 75 countries have already engaged in discussions to negotiate new trade deals.
“As a result, the individualized higher tariffs are currently paused amid these discussions, except for China, which retaliated,” the fact sheet stated.
For now, a baseline tariff of 10% will apply to all US imports. Trump’s broader trade strategy, titled the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan,” aims to impose matching tariffs on countries with which the US has significant trade imbalances, citing national security and economic fairness as key concerns.
At Tuesday’s press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s stance on China. When asked whether the President would consider easing tariffs to facilitate the TikTok deal, Leavitt said, “The President has made his position on China quite clear.”
She read an additional comment from Trump, stating, “The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them.”
She added, “There’s no difference between China and any other country, except they are much larger. And China wants what we have — the American consumer. Or to put it another way, they need our money.”
Trump’s trade moves have triggered turbulence in global financial markets, with major sell-offs in both Asia and Europe. Analysts warn that prolonged trade tensions could lead to inflationary pressures and dampen global economic growth.
Since beginning his second term, President Trump has doubled down on his tariff reciprocity policy, including with nations like India, vowing to match any tariffs imposed on the US to ensure balanced trade relationships.
(ANI)