China has formally lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) regarding the latest round of tariffs imposed by the United States, accusing President Donald Trump of engaging in “bullying” tactics, according to Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce.
Trump’s newest tariffs came into effect on Wednesday, with China bearing the brunt of the impact.
The tariffs on Chinese goods have now escalated to 104%, marking a significant increase in the ongoing trade standoff between the two economic giants.
In response, Beijing raised its tariffs on American products to 84%, up from an initial 34%, intensifying the already heated exchange of trade barriers between the two nations.
China has called on the global community to stand against what it describes as Trump’s aggressive trade policies, and it has vowed to “fight it to the end.”
A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce condemned the series of tariffs, describing them as “a grave mistake” and stressing that they highlight the “unilateral bullying nature” of US actions.
The official stated that China had initiated proceedings under the WTO’s dispute settlement mechanism, a formal process aimed at resolving international trade conflicts.
“China will firmly protect its legitimate rights and interests following WTO rules and resolutely defend the multilateral trading system and international economic order,” the spokesperson said, as reported by state news agency Xinhua.
Several countries have now raised concerns with the WTO, arguing that the US’s steep tariffs violate international trade rules.
However, the organisation’s ability to act has been hampered in recent years, particularly due to the United States blocking the appointment of new judges to its dispute resolution body.