The Chinese state-run Global Times dismissed the tariffs threatened by the Biden administration as a “farce,” particularly criticizing the efforts to protect the American electric vehicle industry from Chinese competition. The Global Times criticized the Biden administration for contradicting its commitment not to impede China’s development and not to seek decoupling from China. The editorialists also accused the US of initiating tariff frictions and spreading negative information to smear Chinese technology.
The Chinese editorialists mocked the Biden administration’s trade policy as a “political show” to win voters and threatened to defend China’s interests with resolute measures. Former Global Times editor Hu Xijin criticized Biden’s tariff hike on Chinese EVs and called it a sign of “panic and incompetence” on the part of the US. Hu viewed the tariffs as a white flag of surrender and vowed that China would create the world’s largest supply chain for EVs despite barriers to American markets.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce supported the Global Times’ threats of retaliatory tariffs on American products, while the Chinese Foreign Ministry hinted at taking the issue to the World Trade Organization. Despite American warnings of overcapacity in the Chinese manufacturing sector, Chinese officials denied the accusations and criticized American protectionist measures against Chinese goods. Politico noted a shift in the American political consensus towards protectionism, with both Republicans and Democrats showing concerns about Chinese dominance in the EV and green energy markets.
The Chinese state media’s response to Biden’s tariff plans may be seen as a defense of their economic interests and a rejection of American protectionist policies. Republicans and Democrats are increasingly wary of Chinese competition in key industries, with differing opinions on the effectiveness of tariffs in dealing with China.
