Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Washington’s actions used the pretext of “fairness and reciprocity” to ignore the results of multilateral negotiations and unilaterally impose tariffs. “These measures have seriously affected the global economic order, the multilateral trading system, and the interests and well-being of various countries,” he added.

Lin Jian noted that such actions represent an unprecedented challenge to the United Nations and multilateralism. “We support the international community using various platforms, including the Security Council, to discuss and deepen understanding of the damage caused by unilateralism and abusive practices,” he stated.

The spokesperson also emphasized the need to reaffirm the commitment to multilateralism and the principles of the United Nations Charter, strengthen the role of the UN, and protect the rights of all countries to development.

Beijing reiterated that the current tariff war was initiated by the United States and that China only took countermeasures to protect its interests, as well as international equity and justice.

Faced with the potential increase in tariffs to 245 percent, the Chinese government responded that this would no longer make economic sense and would become a joke in the history of the global economy. “Under the current tariff level, there is no possibility for the market to accept US products exported to China,” he added.

Lin Jian emphasized Beijing’s decision to ignore the White House’s “tariff game” from now on, although he reaffirmed that if Washington insists on infringing on China’s interests, other countermeasures will be taken.

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