Beijing blasts Mexico over protectionism, threatens retaliation amid US coercion
China says it has been restrained in its responses to Mexico’s ramped-up probes into Chinese imports
China has condemned Mexico’s recent anti-dumping investigations targeting Chinese imports and has vowed to “take all necessary measures” to protect the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.
“China firmly opposes protectionist actions that undermine China’s legitimate rights and interests. We will closely follow the progress of Mexico’s investigations and urge Mexico to strictly abide by WTO rules in the process, so as to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Friday.
Beijing noted that Mexico had launched 11 anti-dumping probes into Chinese imports this year – almost twice the amount of similar investigations compared with last year – and the statement added that China had been restrained in its responses.
The remarks followed Mexico’s anti-dumping probes into Chinese goods, including float glass and PVC-coated fabric, which came amid quickly escalating trade tensions between Beijing and Mexico City.
The Chinese government also reiterated its criticism of the United States for coercing Mexico into taking a tougher trade stance against China.
“China believes that, in the current context of the US’ arbitrarily imposing tariffs, all countries should jointly oppose unilateralism, should not allow protectionism to spread, and certainly should not impose restrictions on China under various pretexts at the coercion of others,” the statement said, urging Mexico to oppose unilateralism and protectionism.