China on Tuesday voiced strong opposition to a U.S. report on foreign trade barriers in which it described China as a "country of primary concern."

The U.S. National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers released on March 29 "provided no evidence that China's relevant policies and practices violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, but arbitrarily accused China of having so-called 'non-market' policies and practices as well as barriers on agricultural products and data policies," a spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement.

The spokesperson stated that since joining the WTO, China has resolutely supported the multilateral trading system, expanded its opening-up and improved the market system and legal system, which is highly recognized by the international community

However, the U.S., adhering to the "America first" policy, arbitrarily imposes unilateral tariffs on other countries, pursues discriminatory industrial policies and abusively implements export controls and investment protection measures in the name of "national security," and restricts foreign companies from participating in the U.S. government procurement, the spokesperson added. 

The statement said that the U.S. has erected a large number of trade barriers and impedes fair competition. It urged the U.S. to stop making "false accusations" against other countries, abide by the WTO rules and uphold a fair and equitable international trade order, the spokesperson added.

(Cover: Loads of cars are ready to be shipped for export at Lianyungang Port, Jiangsu Province, east China, August 16, 2023. /CFP )