The New York Times reports on China’s response to President Obama’s decision to impose steep duties on tires imported from China:
“China is firmly opposed to this measure of serious commercial protectionism by the United States,” the Chinese ministry of commerce said Saturday.
The sharp and swift reaction, though not necessarily indicative of a serious new clash, amounted to a warning shot just at a time when American officials need China’s help on issues including the global economic recovery and possible additional sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.
Few decisions by President Obama have appeared more uncomfortable and fraught with larger considerations than the blandly worded announcement at 9:15 p.m. Friday that he would impose a tariff of 35 percent on Chinese tires for cars and light trucks.
The Obama Administration today defended its decision in light of China’s response, the LA Times reports.
For another perspective on the tire case, see this post from lawyer and blogger Scott Lincicome.
See also “China May Appeal Tire Tariff to WTO” from the Washington Post, and more coverage of this story from Google News.
