China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yongqian Photo: Yin Yeping/GT
When asked comment on the US Trade Representative’s recent announcement of an extension of the exemption period related to the Section 301 investigation into China’s practices concerning technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation, which was originally set to expire on May 31, 2025 and has now been extended to August 31, 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yongqian said at a regular press conference on Thursday that China’s position of opposing the US Section 301 tariffs is clear and consistent.
The Section 301 measures are a typical example of unilateralism and trade protectionism, and previously, a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel ruled that the US Section 301 tariffs violated WTO rules, He said, noting that the ultimate cost of these measures is borne by American businesses and consumers, making them a self-defeating action that harms others without benefiting oneself.
We urge the US side to fully remove all restrictions against China, including the Section 301 tariffs, and work with China to uphold the spirit of the Geneva trade talks consensus and promote the sound, stable, and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations, the MOFCOM spokesperson said.
Global Times