The United States government's plan to impose an additional 7.5 percent tariff on Chinese goods over alleged excess capacity is a typical unilateralist and protectionist act, said Huang Ling, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Commerce, at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday.
"China has issued a position paper on the so-called excess capacity issue, which presents a comprehensive account of China's view and stance on related questions concerning the so-called excess capacity. I'd like to stress once again that capacity should be perceived in a comprehensive, objective and fair approach. It must not be used as an excuse to practice protectionism," said Huang.
China issued the position paper on July 28. It says global production capacity reflects the international division of labor and that supply and demand should be assessed from a global perspective. Assessments of excess capacity, it says, should also account for different stages and levels of development, as well as the industries involved.
In March, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, or USTR, opened a Section 301 investigation into 16 economies, including China, citing alleged excess capacity.
"Taking 'excess capacity' as pretext, the United States has initiated a Section 301 investigation into 16 economies, including China, politicizing trade and economic issues, which is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism. China firmly opposes it. We will continue to closely follow and fully assess subsequent U.S. measures, and reserve the right to take all necessary countermeasures," Huang said.
US tariff plan typical protectionist act: Commerce Ministry spokeswoman
