China Calls for Respect of Trade Norms Amid Tariff Escalation

In a significant move, China has urged the United States and relevant corporations to acknowledge facts, comply with global trade standards, and cease actions detrimental to Chinese interests. This request follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration of potential 100% tariffs on Chinese imports.

According to Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, “China calls upon the U.S. and concerned enterprises to honor facts, maintain international trade principles, engage in fair competition, and promptly rectify erroneous practices that harm our interests.”

This statement comes on the heels of China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) imposing sanctions on five subsidiaries of South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co. in the U.S., a direct reaction to the U.S. Section 301 investigation targeting China’s maritime and shipbuilding sectors.

Order No. 6 of 2025, released by MOFCOM, asserts that the U.S. Section 301 actions “severely contravene international law and fundamental standards of international relations, significantly undermining the legitimate rights of Chinese companies.” The sanctioned firms include Hanwha Shipping LLC, Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc., Hanwha Ocean USA International LLC, Hanwha Shipping Holdings LLC, and HS USA Holdings Corp.

Furthermore, China’s Transport Ministry has instituted an inquiry into the ramifications of U.S. measures on the security and growth of its shipping and shipbuilding industries, alongside relevant industrial supply chains, as reported by Xinhua.

The Foreign Ministry's remarks occur amid escalating trade tensions, with both nations advancing new trade restrictions that heighten their economic dispute.

China has unveiled new port charges for arriving U.S. vessels at Chinese ports, starting October 14. These fees will begin at 400 yuan (approximately USD 56) per net ton and will gradually increase over the next three years. Beijing has described this as a direct reaction to comparable fees placed by the U.S. on Chinese ships, labeling Washington’s actions as violations of World Trade Organization frameworks and the bilateral maritime transport agreement.

Previously, Trump indicated that from November 1, an added 100% tariff on Chinese products would take effect, boosting the total duties on these goods to a staggering 130%. He also mentioned new restrictions on critical software and technologies, accusing China of adopting a “hostile” stance in trade matters.

In retaliation, China defended its export limitations on rare earth materials, deeming them legitimate measures to enhance export regulation and protect national security. The Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. for its “double standards” while alleging abuse of export control against Chinese enterprises. They stated, “The U.S. cannot call for negotiations while simultaneously threatening new restrictions.”

Since the recent trade discussions in Madrid, China pointed out that the U.S. has intensified restrictions, adding more Chinese companies to the Entity List and extending Section 301 measures to the shipbuilding domain. China cautioned that these actions have “seriously jeopardized” its interests and adversely affected the climate for trade talks.

The Chinese authorities are urging Washington to “amend its incorrect practices” and navigate differences through dialogue, stressing the importance of fostering stable and sustainable relations. The Ministry emphasized that China does not aim for a trade war but stands ready to defend its positions.