The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, urged Canada to correct the mistake of imposing discriminatory measures against her country. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced a 100% tariff on Canadian products such as canola oil, peas, and turtles, as well as a 25% tax on pork and aquatic products starting March 20.
These measures are in response to the tariffs imposed by Canada in October on the import of Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum from the Asian giant. The Chinese government labeled these decisions as protectionist and discriminatory. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau justified the tariffs by claiming that Chinese industrial policies subsidize their companies to the detriment of Western ones.
After the Canadian tariffs came into effect, China filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing Canada of following certain countries in a unilateral containment against China. These measures add to the context of a trade war between the United States and its major trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China.
China defended its tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products as a response to Ottawa's actions. According to statements from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Canadian tariffs are discriminatory and violate international trade rules, so China claims the right to take these measures.
