US slapping of "reciprocal tariffs" deprives countries, especially Global South, of right to development: spokesperson

The unilateral imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" by the United States effectively deprives countries, particularly those in the Global South, of their right to development, and is certain to face widespread opposition from the international community, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Recently, the United States has imposed tariffs on all its trading partners, affecting over 180 countries and regions worldwide, including some economies classified as the least developed countries by the United Nations. Analysts suggest that these high tariffs will deliver an unprecedented and severe impact on poor nations with simple economic structures and high dependency on exports.

In response to a related query, spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily news briefing that the United States, under the guise of "reciprocity," acted in a manner that prioritizes its own interests at the expense of other nations' legitimate benefits. This approach places "America First" above international rules, exemplifying unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.

Lin added that the Chinese government has issued its position on opposing US abuse of tariffs, making clear its solemn attitude.

Data analysis from the World Trade Organization indicates that, amid economic disparities and unequal power dynamics, US tariff policies will exacerbate the wealth gap among nations, with less developed countries facing particularly severe repercussions. This trend poses a significant threat to the efforts intended to achieve the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Lin said.

The United States' imposition of differentiated tax rates violates the World Trade Organization's principle of non-discrimination, severely undermining the normal international economic and trade order, as well as the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, Lin said, adding that this action significantly damages the multilateral trading system, poses a severe threat to the global economic recovery process, and is bound to meet widespread opposition from the international community.

Openness and cooperation are a historical trend, and mutual benefit and win-win outcomes are the aspirations of people. Development is a universal right of all countries, not the privilege of a few, said Lin.

He emphasized that all countries should uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, adhere to true multilateralism, jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, and uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core.