BEIJING: In response to claims made on the United States White House website that imports from China to the US face tariffs of up to 245 percent, the Foreign Ministry urged journalists on Wednesday to question the US side for answers.
A latest fact sheet page published on the website said, “China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions.”
When asked at a news conference on what China’s response would be, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, “You can take this number to the US side for an answer.”
Responding to Washington’s latest comments about the tariffs, Lin said this tariff war was initiated by the US, and China has taken necessary countermeasures to protect its legitimate rights and interests, as well as to ensure international fairness and justice, which are “completely reasonable and legitimate”.
He underscored that China’s position has always been clear and that there are no winners in tariff wars and trade wars.
“China is not willing to fight (such a war), nor is it afraid of fighting,” he said.
“If the US genuinely wants to solve the problem through dialogue and negotiation, it should give up its approach of imposing extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and engage in dialogue with the Chinese side on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” he added.
On the other hand, China’s economy expanded 5.4 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, official data showed on Wednesday, beating market expectations and marking a good start for the year amid uncertainties triggered by the United States’ tariff policy.
Although the US’ volatile tariffs continue to cloud the global economic outlook, officials and economists said they believe China’s long-term growth trajectory will remain intact, as the country has ample room to act on macroeconomic policies and boasts favorable factors such as an ultra-large domestic market, a comprehensive industrial system and strong innovation capabilities. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
