China firmly opposes unilateral restrictive measures under any pretext: spokesman

China firmly opposes the imposition of unilateral restrictions under any pretext as a result of external pressure, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Thursday, in commenting on media reports that the Mexican government plans to raise tariffs on some Chinese imports.

It was reported that the Mexican government plans to raise tariffs on some Chinese products in its 2026 budget proposal to be released next month, to protect domestic companies from cheap imports.

"Mexico is China's second-largest trading partner in Latin America, and China is Mexico's third-largest export destination. Mutual benefit and win-win outcomes are the defining features of China-Mexico economic and trade cooperation. China has always advocated for inclusive economic globalization that benefits all and opposes all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, as well as discriminatory and exclusionary measures," said Guo Jiakun, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.

"China firmly opposes restrictions imposed under external coercion and under various pretexts that undermine its legitimate rights and interests. We believe that the relevant country will adhere to an independent approach and properly address the issue," said the spokesman.

China firmly opposes unilateral restrictive measures under any pretext: spokesman

Over 80,000 foreign travelers have entered south China's Hainan Province visa-free since the launch of the island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), an increase of 64 percent year on year, according to official data.

Since the special customs operations began on Dec 18, 2025, ports across the province have maintained stable operation, with the number of foreign travelers continuously growing.

Data from the Haikou General Station of Immigration Inspection showed that from Dec 18, 2025 to Friday, ports across Hainan inspected 180,000 foreign nationals entering and exiting the country, an increase of 46.5 percent year on year, accounting for 58.6 percent of the total number of inbound and outbound travelers during the same period.

A total of 80,000 foreign travelers entered under visa-free policies, accounting for 94.2 percent of the total number of foreign tourists entering the country during the period.

Most of the foreign travelers came to China for tourism, who were mainly from Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Kazakhstan, and Singapore.

Hainan sees sharp increase in foreign travelers entering visa-free