China urges U.S. to end overuse of national security justification

China has called on the United States (U.S.) to abandon its generalised and excessive use of the national security concept and to work collaboratively with all parties to uphold a rules-based multilateral trading system.

The call was made on Thursday by the Ministry of Commerce.

Speaking at a regular news conference, ministry spokesperson He Yongqian made the remarks in response to the U.S. decision to raise tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and their derivative products from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.

He stated that such actions by the U.S. not only harmed other countries but also negatively impacted its own interests.

He warned that the tariff hikes would severely disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

“The U.S. should abandon the zero-sum mentality, address concerns through equal dialogue, and work together to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains,” he said. (Xinhua/NAN)