China Announces Reciprocal Investigation in Trade Dispute

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has recently initiated two separate Section 301 investigations targeting China and other economies. The cited reasons include alleged "overcapacity" and concerns related to imports.

In an official response, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce condemned these actions. The spokesperson characterized the U.S. moves as unfounded and stated China's firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction.

Vowing to Defend Rights Through Legal Means

The Ministry of Commerce announced that China will now launch its own trade barrier investigation against the United States. This decision is made under the authority of China's Foreign Trade Law and relevant procedural rules.

This reciprocal action signifies a calibrated response to the U.S. investigations. The Chinese investigation will seek to identify and assess potential trade barriers erected by the U.S., with the stated aim of upholding principles of fairness in international trade.

  • Legal Framework: The investigation will be conducted strictly in accordance with domestic Chinese laws and regulations.
  • Reciprocal Action: The move is positioned as a direct response to the U.S. probes.
  • Fact-Based Outcomes: Any subsequent measures will be determined based on the findings of the investigation.

The spokesperson reaffirmed the Chinese government's resolve to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries and to foster a stable, fair, and predictable trading environment for all businesses.