China vows to retaliate against ‘unreasonable’ US semiconductor tariffs
Beijing has pledged to ‘take corresponding measures’ in response to the levy, which Washington says is designed to counter economic threat
On Tuesday, the Office of the United States Trade Representative said it would raise the tariffs on June 23, 2027, with the level to be announced at least 30 days in advance.
It followed the release of the findings of a year-long probe into China’s chip sector, launched in the final month of the Joe Biden administration.
The office said Beijing’s push to dominate the sector was “unreasonable and discriminatory” and posed an economic threat to the US.
“China firmly opposes the US abuse of tariffs and its unreasonable suppression of Chinese industries,” foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.
He added that the US would be “harming others while ultimately harming itself”.
Lin called on the US to address any trade concerns through dialogue and safeguard the “stable, healthy and sustainable development” of the relationship.
“If the US side insists on going its own way, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” Lin added.
The US has already imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Chinese semiconductors following a previous investigation into forced technology transfers.
The latest development highlights the fragility of relations between the US and China despite a temporary trade war truce agreed following the summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart Donald Trump in South Korea at the end of October.
Tensions resurfaced again this month after Washington unveiled new measures to undercut Beijing’s dominance in the drone sector and announced a major arms sale to Taiwan, the most sensitive issue in their relationship.
On Monday, the US Federal Communications Commission banned all drones and critical components made in a foreign country, saying they would pose “unacceptable risks”.
The ban includes all communications and video-surveillance equipment from major Chinese drone manufacturers including DJI Technology.
Beijing views Taiwan as part of China, to be reunited by force if necessary.
Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise it as an independent state, but Washington opposes any attempt to take the self-rule island by force and is legally bound to provide arms to help it defend itself.