BEIJING: A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated on Friday that China firmly opposes protectionist practices that undermine the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and it will closely monitor the progress of Mexico’s investigations and urges Mexico to strictly adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules to safeguard the lawful rights of Chinese enterprises.
The statement came in response to Mexico’s recent initiation of anti-dumping investigations into Chinese float glass, self-adhesive tape, PVC coated fabric, and steel bolts.
Mexico has launched 11 anti-dumping investigations into Chinese products so far this year, nearly double last year’s total. Meanwhile, China has been cautious and restrained in initiating trade remedy investigations, according to a statement published on the MOFCOM’s website on Friday.
The spokesperson emphasized that against the backdrop of the US’ abuse of tariffs, countries around the world should jointly oppose unilateralism, refrain from allowing the spread of protectionism, and should not impose restrictions on China by using various pretexts under coercion from others.
Following China’s Foreign Trade Law and Investigation Rules of Foreign Trade Barriers, the MOFCOM has started looking into Mexico’s plans to increase import tariffs on Chinese goods and impose other trade and investment limits against China.
China will take all necessary measures across trade and investment sectors, depending on the findings and circumstances, to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the spokesperson stressed.
