China has strongly criticized the abuse of tariffs by the US government at several international occasions, while reaffirming its commitment to expanding market access, supporting free trade, and upholding multilateralism.

At the 51st meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee held in Washington D.C. from Thursday to Friday, Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People's Bank of China, the country's central bank, warned that the US's indiscriminate tariff policies have severely undermined the long-term stability and growth of the global economy. He noted that such practices have triggered significant volatility in global financial markets, threatened overall financial stability, and created daunting challenges for emerging markets and developing countries.

Echoing such concerns, Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo'an pointed out that these protectionist trade policies have posed substantial risks to global poverty reduction and development endeavors, at a World Bank Group Development Committee meeting held on Thursday.

Earlier this week, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Geng Shuang accused the US's unilateral, protectionist, and economic bullying act of tariff hikes, saying it has not only targeted competitors like China, but also vulnerable nations such as Haiti, describing these actions as "cruel and absurd," as well as "profoundly heartbreaking."

While the US has been wrecking havoc on global trade and inflicting harm on developing countries and emerging markets, China has always and will continue to champion openness and inclusivity.

At the World Bank meeting, Lan highlighted that China has already offered zero-tariff treatment to all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations. He added that China remains committed to opening its vast market to the world to foster shared growth and achieve win-win outcome.

Meanwhile, Pan emphasized China's steadfast support for true multilateralism, free trade, and economic globalization. He also called for enhanced macroeconomic policy coordination to bolster the multilateral trading system and promote global economic and financial stability.

(Cover via VCG)