BEIJING: China on Tuesday announced that it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests after the United States imposed additional tariffs on countries doing business with Iran.
The statement came after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on nations engaged in trade with Iran, saying the move would take effect immediately.
President Trump said the decision was taken in response to a crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. China is currently Iran’s largest trading partner, making the announcement particularly significant.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said in a statement that China’s position against the indiscriminate use of tariffs has always been “clear and consistent”.
“Tariff wars and trade wars benefit no one,” the spokesperson said. “Pressure and coercion are not solutions to problems. Protectionism harms the interests of all parties involved.”
China has repeatedly opposed unilateral sanctions and warned that such measures could further escalate global trade tensions. Analysts say the latest US move could strain relations between Washington and Beijing at a time when economic uncertainty remains high worldwide.