China today expressed dissatisfaction over a US move to impose steep tariffs on imported solar cells and washing machines, asking America to refrain from "overusing" trade remedies and play a positive role in promoting the world economy.
The US approved tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels in line with President Donald Trump's "America First" trade policy, which aims to protect local manufacturers from foreign competition.
Trump ordered tariffs of up to 50 per cent on imported washing machines for the next three years and of up to 30 per cent on solar cells for the next four years.
China, the world's biggest solar panel manufacturer, called the move an "abuse" of trade remedies.
"China hopes the US could refrain from overusing trade remedies, abide by multilateral trade rules to play a positive role in promoting the world economy," Wang Hejun, head of the commerce ministry's trade remedy and investigation bureau said.
Wang pointed out the US trade remedies in recent years had overprotected American sectors, and the latest decision not only caused harm to the industries' healthy development, but further exacerbated a difficult global trade environment.
"The global economic recovery remains fragile, which requires joint effort and actions from all countries," Wang was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.
He said China would work with other World Trade Organisation members to defend their interests.
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