China has strongly criticised US plans for unilateral tariffs, calling them "bullying" that is destroying the international trading system. Beijing tells Washington: respect the rules or expect a backlash.
At a press conference on Saturday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce responded to remarks by US officials announcing progress on so-called "reciprocal tariffs" agreements - and warned that unilateral tariffs would come if an agreement is not reached with some countries by July 9.
A spokesman for the Chinese ministry called it a typical act of unilateral coercion and violation of the rules of multilateralism. "Only firm positions will ensure the protection of our rights and interests," he said.
China has called for equal dialogue and support the search for constructive solutions that do not jeopardise the global trading order. However, it also warned: "We will not accept tariff exemptions that would be detrimental to Chinese interests. In such cases, we will take tough countermeasures."
Beijing is making it clear that will not back down in a potential trade dispute - and calls on the international community to stand up for fair rules and together defend the principles of global trade.
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