China defends countermeasures as 'justified, reasonable, and lawful' amid Canada’s WTO challenge

China’s Foreign Ministry has responded forcefully to reports that Canada is pursuing action at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Chinese duties on Canadian agricultural and fishery products, stating that its countermeasures are "justified, reasonable, and lawful."

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed China's position during a press briefing in Beijing, emphasizing that the tariffs in question align with international trade regulations. "China's trade policies, including those affecting Canadian imports, are fully compliant with WTO principles and are implemented to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of our industries," Lin stated.

The response comes after reports that Canada is escalating its trade dispute with China by formally challenging the tariffs imposed on agricultural products, including canola, seafood, and other key exports. Canadian officials have argued that China’s duties are unjustified and in violation of global trade norms.

Tensions between the two countries have been on the rise since 2018, following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada and subsequent diplomatic and economic frictions. The imposition of trade barriers by both sides has fueled ongoing disputes, prompting multiple WTO consultations.

Lin stressed that China has always supported multilateral trade mechanisms but will not hesitate to defend its economic sovereignty. "If Canada truly values fair trade, it should engage in dialogue rather than resorting to litigation," he added.

The WTO case is expected to take months, if not years, to reach a resolution. In the meantime, Canadian exporters remain concerned about the long-term impact of strained trade relations with one of their largest trading partners.

This latest trade dispute underscores broader geopolitical tensions between Canada and China, as both nations continue to navigate diplomatic challenges alongside economic disagreements.

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