China said it would monitor US actions related to tariffs for alleged overcapacity and may take countermeasures, underscoring lingering friction despite a trade truce.
Bloomberg News reported earlier that the US is considering a 7.5% tariff on China following investigations into alleged excess capacity. Commerce Ministry spokesperson Huang Ling reiterated Beijing’s opposition to the investigation into China and other economies, saying Washington has launched the probe under the “pretext of overcapacity.
“We will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively assess subsequent US actions and reserve the right to take all necessary measures,” Huang said at a regular press briefing on Thursday in response to a question about a possible US levy. It would also bring tariffs on China to a level Beijing said the two sides agreed to during previous trade talks. The move would mark the latest step by US President Donald Trump to resurrect his protectionist trade agenda after the Supreme Court struck down his previous import taxes.
Wang Yi Calls for Improved US-China Relations Amid Accusations
During a meeting on Wednesday with US Ambassador David Perdue, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for the United States to steer bilateral relations back onto a constructive path. Wang accused Washington of implementing a series of unfounded negative measures against China, as reported in a statement from Chinese officials.
