In response to questions about the inevitable pressure that the US tariff hikes would exert on China's economy, a Chinese official said on Monday that the so-called "reciprocal tariffs" imposed by the US have had a global impact. Fabricating grounds for action, engaging in bullying and coercion, and repeatedly going back on its word, the US has gravely violated the tide of history and the laws of economics.

Its actions have seriously undermined international trade rules and order, and severely harmed the legitimate rights and interests of countries around the world — a textbook example of unilateral bullying, Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference on Monday in Beijing.

In the face of such unjustified tariff abuses, China has resolutely stepped forward to oppose hegemonism and power politics, implementing a series of justified, measured, and effective countermeasures. This is not only to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests, but also to uphold international fairness and justice, defend the global free trade system, and preserve the normal international economic order, Zhao said.

Global Times