Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao criticized Washington’s tariff hikes during a UN meeting in New York, saying they have “seriously damaged the multilateral trading system.” His remarks underscored Beijing’s growing frustration with US trade policies that it views as protectionist and destabilizing for global commerce.
Wang urged the international community to remain united in defending free trade, calling on countries to “firmly uphold multilateralism” in the face of unilateral US measures. He stressed that the integrity of the global trade system depends on cooperation rather than confrontation.
The statement comes amid escalating trade tensions between China and the United States, with Washington pressing tariffs not only on Chinese goods but also urging allies to impose similar measures. Beijing has warned that such actions undermine trust and risk fragmenting the international economy.
