China announced countermeasures on Tuesday in response to the U.S. decision to impose an additional 10-percent tariff on goods from China and criticized its move for harming bilateral trade relations.
This comes after the levies imposed by the Trump administration took effect at 13:00 Beijing time.
An additional 15-percent tariff will be imposed on imported coal and liquefied natural gas originating from the United States, according to a statement from the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said on Tuesday.
Crude oil, agricultural machinery, automobiles with high engine capacity, and pickup trucks will be subject to an additional tariff of 10 percent, it said.
The commission said that these additional tariffs will be applied on top of existing rates. Current bonded, tax reduction, and exemption policies remain unchanged and the latest tariffs to be imposed will not be reduced or exempted.
The move is in accordance with the basic principles of international law, and with Chinese laws and regulations such as the tariff law, the foreign trade law and the customs law, according to the statement.
The Ministry of Commerce (MOC) confirmed it has filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s dispute settlement mechanism, challenging the U.S. tariff measures.
The move is to safeguard China's legitimate rights and interests, an MOC spokesperson said in response to media inquiries on Tuesday.
The U.S. imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese products has seriously violated the WTO rules, and this egregious act is typical of unilateralism and trade protectionism, said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson said the U.S. move severely undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, erodes the foundation of China-U.S. economic and trade cooperation, and disrupts the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
In a separate announcement on Tuesday, the ministry added two U.S. firms, namely PVH Corp. and Illumina, Inc., to China's unreliable entity list.
The two entities have violated normal market trading principles, terminated regular trade with Chinese companies, and adopted discriminatory measures against Chinese companies, thus severely harming their legitimate rights and interests, according to a statement.
The decision was made to maintain national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, the statement noted.
The unreliable entity list mechanism will take corresponding measures against the aforementioned entities based on relevant laws and regulations, according to the statement.
China launches countermeasures against US tariffs, files WTO complaint
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
