BEIJING: China on Thursday (Sep 11) said it “firmly opposes any coercion” after Mexico proposed a 50 per cent duty on car imports from the Asian giant.
The initiative, contained in a bill submitted by Mexico’s government to Congress, seeks to assuage US President Donald Trump – who has repeatedly urged trading partners to increase duties on China – while also bolstering its own industrial sector.
The White House has said Chinese producers are abusing a free-trade deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada to send goods northward over the Mexican border tariff-free.
If the bill is approved, light vehicle imports from China will be subject to a 50 per cent tariff, and auto parts between 10 and 50 per cent.
“China … firmly opposes any coercion by others to impose restrictions on China under various pretexts, which undermines China’s legitimate rights and interests,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular news briefing, in a veiled reference to the United States.
“We will resolutely safeguard our interests in accordance with actual circumstances,” Lin said.
“China attaches great importance to the development of China-Mexico relations, and hopes that Mexico will move forward in the same direction with China,” he added.
Source: CNA
