China plans strong response to U.S. steel tariffs

China announced it will take "all necessary measures" to protect its interests following the U.S. implementation of a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports. This marks a new phase in the ongoing trade conflict. Chinese officials criticized the U.S. tariffs as violations of World Trade Organization rules. They argue that such protectionist measures do not resolve trade issues and harm the multilateral trading system. Previously, U.S. President Trump had increased tariffs on all Chinese products from 10 percent to 20 percent, prompting China to impose retaliatory tariffs on specific U.S. agricultural goods.