BEIJING, China – China has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the steep tariffs imposed by the United States, accusing President Donald Trump of engaging in “bullying” tactics.
The complaint, announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday, comes after the U.S. implemented its most recent wave of tariffs, which have now brought levies on Chinese goods to an unprecedented 104%.
The tariffs, which went into effect Wednesday, are the latest in a series of punitive measures that have marked the ongoing trade war between the two nations.
In retaliation, China has raised its own tariffs on American imports to 84%, up from the previous 34%, marking an intensification of the tit-for-tat trade conflict that has strained global markets and sent shockwaves through the international trading system.
China’s Ministry of Commerce strongly criticized the United States for what it described as “unilateral bullying” tactics and called on the global community to unite against Washington’s aggressive trade policies.
“These actions are a grave mistake and represent a unilateral approach to international trade that undermines the multilateral trading system,” a spokesperson for the ministry stated. “China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and we are prepared to fight this to the end.”
The dispute centers around the increasing number of tariffs imposed by Washington since February, which Beijing argues are damaging not only to China but to global economic stability.
In response, China has turned to the WTO, seeking a ruling on whether the U.S. actions violate international trade laws.
The WTO, however, has limited capacity to resolve the dispute.
In recent years, the organization’s dispute settlement system has been weakened, in part due to U.S. efforts to block the appointment of new judges.
This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the WTO in resolving increasingly complex global trade disputes.
Beijing’s complaint highlights concerns over the escalating trade war, which has seen both countries engage in a prolonged economic standoff, marked by shifting tariffs and retaliatory measures.
As part of its strategy, China has also warned of further actions to protect its interests and has made clear its intent to pursue all available avenues to challenge what it views as unjust economic practices.
While several other countries have raised concerns over Trump’s tariffs, particularly in sectors such as steel and technology, it remains to be seen whether the WTO can effectively mediate a resolution, or if the standoff will continue to evolve into a more prolonged trade battle with wider global repercussions.
