China's Ministry of Commerce has called on the United States to withdraw its Section 232 investigation into copper imports. 🛑 The Chinese spokesperson, He Yadong, described the US probe as a unilateral and protectionist act under the guise of 'national security.'
He emphasized that the US accusations claiming China uses subsidies and excess capacity to gain an unfair advantage are entirely unfounded. This stance aligns with a 2022 World Trade Organization (WTO) panel decision, which ruled that the US Section 232 tariffs violate WTO rules.
Interestingly, China is a net importer of refined copper, exporting only a small fraction of copper products. 🏭 He Yadong warned that if the US continues to impose additional tariffs and restrictions, China will take necessary measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
Despite the tension, China expressed a willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation. The spokesperson highlighted the progress in consultations between the two countries' trade departments, reaffirming China's commitment to a stable and rules-based multilateral trading system.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
