‘Dangerously Escalated’: China Blasts US Tariffs At WTO

<p>Tensions between the world&rsquo;s two largest economies took a sharp turn on Wednesday as China strongly condemned the United States’ latest round of tariffs, calling them a reckless move that risks further destabilising the global trade system.</p>
<p>In a pointed statement delivered to the World Trade Organization (WTO), China expressed “grave concern and firm opposition” to Washington&rsquo;s imposition of what US President Donald Trump has described as “reciprocal” tariffs. The Chinese delegation warned that the US actions had “dangerously escalated” trade tensions at a time when global economic stability remains fragile, reported news agency Reuters.</p>
<p>The tariffs, which took effect on Wednesday, include a hefty 104% duty on a wide array of Chinese goods. The move comes amid mounting backlash from other trade partners, including the European Union, which is reportedly preparing retaliatory measures of its own&mdash;fueling fears of a deepening global trade war.</p>
<p>Beijing, in response, vowed not to back down and announced 84% tariffs on US imports. “China opposes trade wars but will steadfastly defend its legitimate interests,” it said during a WTO meeting focused on trade in goods.</p>
<p>Just hours after the tariffs were announced, the financial markets responded swiftly. US stock index futures dropped sharply as China revealed its countermeasures &mdash; an increase in tariffs on American products from 34% to 84%. Ther increased tariffs will take effect on Thursday, according to China&rsquo;s finance ministry.</p>
<h2><strong>WTO Rule Violated</strong></h2>
<p>China didn&rsquo;t pull punches while reacting to the US’s tariff war. It accused the United States of violating WTO rules and undermining the multilateral trading framework that has governed international commerce for decades.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Beijing urged the WTO Secretariat to assess the wider impact of reciprocal tariffs on the global trade landscape and to report its findings to member states. “Reciprocal tariffs are not a remedy for trade imbalances,” China argued. “They are a blunt instrument that will ultimately hurt the US itself,” Reuters quoted China as saying.</p>
<p>President Trump&rsquo;s aggressive tariff strategy has rattled the foundations of global trade. Markets have been on edge, with investors nervous about the long-term fallout. Trillions of dollars in market value have already been wiped out as companies brace for higher costs and disrupted supply chains.</p>
<p>Despite the turmoil, Trump has remained defiant &mdash; downplaying the market reaction and offering mixed signals about the future of the tariffs. At times, he has suggested they could be permanent fixtures in U.S. trade policy, while at other moments hinting they are a bargaining tool to force other countries to the negotiating table.</p>
<p>With both the US and China digging in and global markets already showing signs of strain, the stakes are rising &mdash; not just for the countries involved but for the entire international trading system.</p>