In a first official response to import tariffs for its goods set to be introduced by the United States, China's Ministry of Commerce said it filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization. The announcement made on Tuesday comes after the government in Beijing vowed to retaliate immediately and in kind, brushing off the threat by President Donald Trump that he would make the protectionist measures even more strict in that case.
The US said it would levy merchandise from the world's second-largest economy worth $200 billion per year with 10%, with the possibility to drive the rate to 25%. China's ministry today expressed "deep regrets" and claimed it would protect its "legitimate rights and safeguard the global order of free trade." The other side's move is hampering negotiations about the solution for the piling disputes, the statement adds.
The plan for Vice Premier Liu He trip to Washington next week for talks is being reviewed, according to unconfirmed reports in the domestic media.
