MOFCOM: Additional US tariffs 'unacceptable'

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It is “unacceptable” that the US side insists on imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and China strongly opposes the US’ decision, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The United States has unveiled the list of tariffs in an escalating manner. This is totally unacceptable, and we express our solemn protest against this," the spokesperson of MOFCOM said.

"By doing this, the United States is hurting China, hurting the whole world and hurting itself. The irrational act goes against the will of the people.

"China is shocked by what the United States did. To defend the core interests of the nation and the fundamental interests of the people, the Chinese government will, as always, be forced to take necessary countermeasures. In the meantime, we appeal to the international community to jointly defend free trade rules and the multilateral trade regime and fight trade bullying.

"We will immediately lodge an additional complaint with the WTO over the unilateral acts of the United States."

The response came after the US on Wednesday said it would slap 10 percent tariffs on an extra 200 billion US dollars’ worth of Chinese imports.

(With inputs from Xinhua)