China Slams US For Imposing New Trade Restrictions On 37 Chinese Firms Over Military And Russia Connect: 'Adding Insult To Injury'

China firmly opposed the U.S. adding 37 Chinese firms to a trade restriction list over national security concerns.

What Happened: The entities were blacklisted for making drones for the Chinese military and shipping controlled items to Russia, Reuters reported on Friday.

Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian told a press conference that China and Russia have the right to normal economic cooperation that should not be disturbed. He accused the U.S. of politicizing trade issues and increasing tariffs through an abusive review process, “which is adding insult to injury.”

“We urge the U.S. side to effectively abide by the (World Trade Organization) rules and cancel all domestic tariffs on China, not to mention not to increase tariffs. China will take all necessary measures to defend its rights and interests,” Lin said.

See Also: Trump’s China Tariff Hikes Could Smother US Economic Growth, Fitch Ratings Sounds Alarm

Why It Matters: The fresh trade tensions come as the Biden administration reportedly plans new tariffs targeting Chinese electric vehicles and other strategic sectors. The tariffs began during Donald Trump’s presidency, leading to a trade war between the two countries.

The U.S. is also seeking to counter China’s economic influence in Latin America with new trade deals with the help of the Americas Act which would boost the trade agreements of the U.S. with Latin American countries.

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