United Nations, Feb 4 (PTI) – China has strongly condemned the tariffs imposed by the United States under former President Donald Trump, warning that Beijing "may be forced to take countermeasures" and stressing that "there is no winner in a trade war."
Speaking at a press conference on Monday as China assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for February, China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Fu Cong, expressed firm opposition to the US tariffs, calling them a violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
“We are firmly opposed to this unwarranted increase and we do believe that this is in violation of WTO rules,” Fu stated.
China Files WTO Complaint Against US Tariffs
Fu’s remarks were in response to the Trump administration’s recent decision to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods entering the US. Additionally, the White House had announced on Saturday that Trump would implement a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico. The administration justified these measures as part of an effort to hold these countries accountable for curbing illegal immigration and the flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl into the US.China, however, has taken a strong stance against these tariffs and is officially filing a complaint with the WTO. Fu indicated that Beijing is considering retaliatory measures.
"Frankly speaking, I don't think that raising tariffs is beneficial to the US itself," he said, adding that Washington should focus on solving its own economic issues rather than escalating trade tensions.
China Rejects US Claims on Fentanyl
Fu also dismissed the justification that the US tariffs were linked to China's role in the fentanyl crisis, calling it an "unwarranted excuse." He insisted that China maintains some of the world's most stringent regulations on fentanyl and related substances.“The US should approach this issue more from its own perspective. For instance, look at the demand side of fentanyl rather than shifting the blame onto others,” he said.
China Calls for Multilateralism Amid US Tensions
During China’s presidency of the UNSC, a high-level debate on "Practicing Multilateralism, Reforming and Improving Global Governance" will be held on February 18. The session will be chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with invitations extended to foreign ministers of UNSC members and non-member states.Fu suggested that if US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends the meeting in New York, it could provide an opportunity for high-level discussions between the two countries.
Despite Tensions, China Seeks Cooperation with US at UN
While acknowledging deteriorating relations between Washington and Beijing, Fu emphasized that the two global powers share common interests and can work together within the framework of the United Nations on key global challenges such as counterterrorism, anti-narcotics, non-proliferation, and climate change.“China and the US are the two biggest financial contributors to the UN, so it is only natural that our two countries have some similar concerns on how to enhance the efficiency of the Secretariat and the UN’s work,” Fu said.
Expressing hope for a constructive and professional approach to diplomatic relations at the UN, he concluded, “Despite all the rhetoric we have heard from American politicians, we can work together. If China and the US cooperate, we can solve many problems and make the world a better place to live.”
