China opposes US plan for 7.5% tariffs, warns of countermeasures

China's Commerce Ministry on Thursday strongly opposed a United States plan to impose an additional 7.5 percent tariff on Chinese imports, warning that Beijing could take countermeasures if Washington proceeds with the protectionist measures.

Beijing warns of countermeasures

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson Huang Ling told a regular press briefing in Beijing that Washington has politicized economic and trade issues. "The US has politicized economic and trade issues, which is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism. China firmly opposes this," Huang said, adding that production capacity should be assessed comprehensively and objectively rather than used to justify protectionist policies.

Section 301 investigation

"We will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively assess subsequent US measures and reserve the right to take all necessary measures," Huang added. The spokesperson's remarks came in response to reports that the US administration is considering the additional tariffs over alleged excess manufacturing capacity, according to media reports.

The latest tensions stem from a Section 301 investigation launched by the Office of the US Trade Representative in March into manufacturing practices in China and 15 other economies. Washington has accused Beijing of maintaining excess industrial capacity, and the final tariff rate has not yet been decided.