Overview
- Chinese diplomats issued a formal statement criticizing senior White House trade adviser Peter Navarro after he endorsed Mexico’s tariffs on countries without free-trade agreements, including China.
- The embassy called Navarro’s comments a politicization of commerce, describing them as an unjustified attempt to discredit Chinese products and urging figures like him to end political maneuvers.
- Beijing accused the United States of seeking to remake international trade norms through unilateral actions and economic coercion, characterizing the approach as exporting a failed model to Latin America.
- The statement reaffirmed China’s opposition to protectionism, promoted dialogue to resolve disputes, and invited regional partners to share access to China’s large market for mutual growth.
- Mexico’s measure imposes duties of up to 50% starting January 1, 2026 on imports from non-FTA countries, a shift that analysts say could affect prices and supply chains across the region.