As Biden Launches Continuous Attacks... China Says "Will Take All Necessary Measures"

Biden Hints at Tariff Increase on Chinese Goods Ahead of Election
China Urges "U.S. to Stop Protectionist Measures"

China urged the United States to halt its protectionist measures in response to President Joe Biden's plan to increase tariffs on Chinese products, emphasizing that it will take any necessary actions if required.

U.S. President Joe Biden is campaigning for the presidential election on the 16th (local time) at the Scranton Cultural Center in Pennsylvania.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

At a regular briefing on the 18th, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Zhen stated, "We have consistently demanded that the United States immediately stop its trade protectionist measures targeting China," adding, "We will take all necessary measures to defend our legitimate rights."

President Biden announced the day before his plan to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum, directly targeting China's steel subsidies by labeling them as "unfair practices." Chinese steel companies reportedly do not need to worry about profits because the Chinese government provides subsidies, which he claims constitutes unfair competition rather than fair rivalry.

He emphasized, "In the early 2000s, the market was flooded with Chinese steel, severely impacting steel towns in Pennsylvania and Ohio," adding, "I will ensure that such a situation never happens again." He further stated, "I want fair competition, not a fight with China."

He also criticized, "China has a real problem. There are more retirees than workers," and "They hate foreigners, so no one comes to China."

In response, spokesperson Lin questioned, "Are the statements about having more retirees than workers and hating foreigners referring to China, or are they describing the United States itself?"

Meanwhile, President Biden's speech emphasizing the protection of the domestic steel industry is being interpreted as a move to appeal to voters ahead of the November presidential election. Pennsylvania, a battleground state, is analyzed to have significant support from blue-collar workers centered around the steel industry.