China Responds to US: New Tariffs, WTO Complaint, Google Investigation
Retaliatory tariffs on American goods
In response to the US actions, China's Ministry of Finance imposed additional duties:
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15% on coal and liquefied natural gas from the US
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10% on oil, farm machinery and large-engine vehicles
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10% on electric trucks from the US
In addition, China has restricted the export of several rare earth metals, which play a key role in the production of electronics, solar panels and military equipment.
WTO complaint: China challenges US actions
Beijing has also filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), claiming that the imposition of an additional 10% US tariffs violates international trade rules and destabilizes global supply chains.
China initiates antitrust investigation against Google
One of the most high-profile measures was the launch of an antitrust investigation against Alphabet Inc., the owner of Google. Chinese regulators are checking whether the American corporation is abusing its dominant position in the digital market and infringing on the interests of Chinese companies.
"Blacklist" of US companies
In addition to the investigation against Google, China has added two American companies to the list of unreliable entities:
PVH Corp – owner of the Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands
Illumina – one of the leading biotech companies in the US
Growth of trade tensions
Experts note that a new round of trade conflict between the US and China could further complicate the situation on world markets and provoke volatility in the raw materials and financial sectors. In addition, Chinese retaliatory measures could put pressure on the American economy, especially in the energy and technology sectors.
Prospects: Negotiations or Escalation?
Amid the growing confrontation between Washington and Beijing, many analysts expect a possible round of trade negotiations. However, the introduction of tough restrictions and retaliatory measures so far indicates a course for further escalation.
