BEIJING, 2 FEB

After US President Donald Trump on Saturday imposed stiff tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada and China, the Asian superpower said it "firmly opposes" the move and warned of taking "corresponding countermeasures" to resolutely safeguard its own rights and interests.

In a statement, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the US for its "wrongful practice," the Global Times reported.

"China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes US tariffs imposed on Chinese goods," the ministry said.

On Saturday Trump announced, that effective from Tuesday, the US would impose an additional 10 percent tariff on all goods imported from China on top of existing duties. Trump also announced he is implementing a 25 per cent additional tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico.

"The unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US seriously violates WTO rules. It does not contribute to resolving its own issues, but also undermines normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US," the Chinese foreign ministry statement read.

Trump’s tariff move also evoked similar reactions from Canada and Mexico.

 “The actions taken today by the White House split us apart instead of bringing us together,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said as he announced that his country would put matching 25 per cent tariffs on up to $155B on US imports, including alcohol and fruits.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X, "We categorically reject the White House's slander that the Mexican government has alliances with criminal organisations, as well as any intention of meddling in our territory.”

Sheinbaum said she has instructed her economy secretary to implement a response that includes retaliatory tariffs and other measures in defense of Mexico's interests.

If the US wanted to address the fentanyl consumption in their country, “They could fight the sale of drugs on the streets of their major cities, which they don't do,” she said. 

The premier of the Canadian province of British Columbia, David Eby, also called on residents to stop buying liquor from US “red” states and said it was removing American alcohol brands from government stores.