China counters US, imposes tariffs of up to 25% on American imports

China suspended tariff concessions on 128 items of US products including pork and fruits starting on Monday, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council has decided to impose a tariff of 15 per cent on 120 items of products imported from the US including fruits and related products, and a tariff of 25 per cent on eight items of imports including pork and related products from the country, according to a statement posted on the ministry website, Xinhua reported.

The statement said it was a countermeasure in response to a previous US move to slap tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Despite worldwide objections, the US administration decided to impose a 25-per cent tariff on steel imports and a 10-percent tariff on aluminum, with tariffs on imports from countries including China.

Although in violation of WTO rules, the US measure went into effect in March 23, which has severely undermined China's interests, according to the statement.

China committed to denuclearizing Korean peninsula, Xi tells Trump

Chinese President Xi Jinping told his US counterpart Donald Trump, in a telephone conversation that Beijing remains persistent on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

During the phone conversation late on Wednesday, Xi and Trump exchanged their views on the current situation on the peninsula, Xinhua news agency reported.

Xi said China has been adamant in preserving international nuclear non-proliferation regime, maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula, and resolving the nuclear issue through talks.

The Chinese president said the general direction should head toward a peaceful settlement of the issue, adding that dialogue combined with a set of comprehensive measures is best for seeking a long-term solution.

Trump said Washington has been deeply concerned over the ongoing situation on the Korean Peninsula, and attaches importance to China's essential role in resolving the issue.

He pledged to step up communication with the Chinese side in a bid to find a solution as early as possible.

Also during the phone talks, Xi noted that exchanges and cooperation between China and the US in various areas have been moving forward.
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