China opposes Canada's plan for additional tariffs on more Chinese products

China's Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday expressed firm opposition to Canada's proposal to impose additional tariffs on more Chinese products including batteries, warning that the move could severely impact bilateral economic and trade relations.

On Tuesday, Canada announced the launch of a 30-day consultation regarding potential surtaxes on Chinese batteries and parts, semiconductors, solar products and critical minerals.

A spokesperson for the ministry said in a statement China has taken note of Canada's latest announcement.

Canada's move, which came only half a month after it imposed restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles and other products, is "dangerous and irresponsible," said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson criticized Canada for ignoring facts and following the lead of certain other countries in adopting unilateral suppression measures. The action will seriously hinder the normal economic and trade cooperation between Chinese and Canadian enterprises, undermine the international economic system and trade rules, and destabilize the global industrial and supply chains, said the spokesperson. China urges Canada to respect the facts, adhere to the World Trade Organization rules and refrain from going further down the wrong path, said the spokesperson, vowing that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

Canada announced in late August that it will implement a 100-percent surtax on all Chinese-made electric vehicles, effective Oct. 1, 2024, and impose a 25-percent surtax on imports of steel and aluminum products from China starting Oct. 15, 2024.

China opposes Canada's plan for additional tariffs on more Chinese products

Vice President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Gilles Carbonnier on Saturday said he was encouraged by the humanitarian organization's deepening relationship with China.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) during the 11th Xiangshan Forum, Carbonnier said the ICRC has not only been engaged in dialogue with China and other states, but has also welcomed the country's involvement in the launch of programs to help people affected by conflicts.

"China is definitely a major player. We really are very encouraged to see that our relationship with the PLA, with the People's Liberation Army, with the Ministry of Defense deepening on several issues of common interest, especially on International Humanitarian Law and humanitarian priorities. We at the ICRC really look forward to developing this dialogue, of course, here in Beijing, but also as we're doing in Geneva, in New York, as well as in the field, for example, where Chinese peacekeepers are also active," he said.

The three-day Xiangshan Forum opened on Thursday in Beijing, attracting more than 500 representatives of official delegations from more than 100 countries and international organizations, and over 200 experts and scholars to discuss global security.

At the forum, Carbonnier delivered a speech on the topic of the international mechanism and global security governance.

In'tl Red Cross Committee vice president hails deepening ties with China