BEIJING, CHINA – DECEMBER 4: Chinese and Canadian flags are displayed in front of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China, on December 4, 2017.
Zhang Lintao | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Chinese state media criticized Canada’s decision to impose 100% import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, using language that was bolder than the official government’s response in Beijing.
The outspoken editor of the Chinese government mouthpiece Global Times wrote on Wednesday that Canada was “shooting itself in the foot” by “following U.S. protectionist policies.”
The Global Times said that the country is being hijacked by the United States’ “unhealthy policies” that will only create more obstacles to free market circulation, thus causing deeper negative impacts and unforeseen impacts on the domestic economy, and urged Canada “Prioritize” developing your own economy.
Chinese government and Its official media moved hand in hand But overall, the ruling Communist Party has been cautious in messaging in official statements. Its media does not.
On Monday, Canada announced that it would impose 100% tariffs on electric vehicles made in China from October 1.
The Biden administration announced in May high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, advanced batteries, solar cells, steel, aluminum and medical equipment. this Earlier this month the European Union The United States imposes a tariff of up to 36.3% on electric vehicles imported from China, with the exception of Tesla, whose additional tax rate was reduced by 9%.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ministry of Commerce of China Calling the Canadian government’s move “a typical trade protectionist act.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to this. Canada “blatantly violated WTO rules and blindly followed other countries.”
This move will “disrupt the stability of the global industrial and supply chains, seriously undermine the global economic system and economic and trade rules, and seriously impact China-Canada economic and trade relations.”
Later that day, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press conferenceLin added that he also urged Canada to “immediately correct its wrongdoings and not politicize economic and trade issues. Beijing is prepared to take any necessary measures to defend the rights and interests of Chinese companies.”
Canada said the measures were implemented to “level the playing field for Canadian workers” and allow domestic producers of electric vehicles, steel and aluminum to compete at home and abroad.
The country’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added that Ottawa was taking action to push back against what he called China’s “deliberate state-directed policies.”excess capacity”.
–CNBC’s Sheila Jiang contributed to this report.
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