
The Ministry of Commerce of China File photo: VCG
When asked to comment on the US Supreme Court's ruling that multiple tariffs imposed by the US government were unlawful, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Monday that China has consistently opposed unilateral tariff increases in all forms.
The US Supreme Court on Friday local time announced its ruling in the tariff litigation case, determining that the so-called reciprocal tariffs, fentanyl-related tariffs, and other related duties imposed by the US government on relevant trading partners under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful.
China has consistently opposed unilateral tariff increases in all forms and has repeatedly stated that there are no winners in a trade war and that protectionism leads nowhere, said the spokesperson, noting that the unilateral measures taken by the US, including the reciprocal tariffs and fentanyl-related tariffs, not only violate international trade and economic rules but also contravene US domestic law, and they do not serve the interests of any party.
The spokesperson stated that repeated experience has shown that cooperation between China and the US benefits both sides while confrontation harms both. China urges the US to cancel relevant unilateral tariff measures imposed on its trading partners, the spokesperson said.
"We have also noted that the US is preparing to adopt alternative measures, such as trade investigations, in an attempt to maintain tariffs on its trading partners. China will closely monitor these developments and firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," the spokesperson said.