China on Thursday strongly opposed the ‘reciprocal tariffs’ imposed by the United States and implemented countermeasures to safeguard its own rights and interests, as per reports.

The sharp response from Beijing came after Donald Trump announced a 10% base tariff on global imports, with a 34% levy specifically on China, in addition to the existing 20% duties on Chinese imports to the US.

China's Ministry of Commerce reportedly criticised the tariff as a violation of international trade norms. The ministry strongly responded to the decision, slamming the move as Trump’s effort to reshape the rules of international trade, calling it a "typical unilateral bullying practice". 

The ministry urged the US to withdraw the tariffs and resolve differences with trading partners through equal dialogue, as per reports.

Beijing warned that the tariffs could have widespread consequences, affecting the global economy, international supply chains, and even US businesses.

China, the European Union, and Canada on Thursday announced that they would be taking countermeasures against the US tariff hike, giving rise to fears of a trade war breaking out, which would lead to fueling inflation and stalling growth.

Japan, on the other hand, came up with a more cautious response saying it would hold talks with the US on the issue.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)