Chinese Media Backs Canada's 'Chinese-Style Counterattack,' Warns EU, Japan, and South Korea Are 'Next Targets'

As Canada announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs in response to the United States' 50% tariff imposition, Chinese state-run media defended the move, labeling it a "Chinese-style counterattack."

On the 24th, the state-run Global Times published an editorial addressing Canada's retaliatory tariff measures against the U.S., arguing that they demonstrate the correctness of China's long-standing stance against U.S. protectionist policies.

The media outlet emphasized, "More countries are realizing that making concessions to the U.S. does not bring respect or stability," adding, "Under the 'tariff club,' there are no exemptions granted simply because a country is an ally. Today it is Canada, but tomorrow it could be the European Union (EU), and the day after that, Japan or South Korea."

This editorial was also published late on the night of the 23rd in the state-run English-language newspaper, the Global Times.

The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian imports valued at approximately 27.6 trillion won in Korean currency starting at 12:01 a.m. on the 22nd, local time.

The targeted items include certain dairy products, alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, hockey equipment, machinery, textiles, cement, and furniture.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that starting on the 8th of next month, Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs of the same scale on U.S. steel, dairy products, home appliances, agricultural machinery, and pulp.

The Global Times explained that Canada has launched a "Chinese-style counterattack" against the U.S., characterized by responding in a resolute and proportionate manner, defending sovereignty without compromise, and taking legitimate countermeasures in accordance with rules.

It also pointed out that the U.S. government likely did not anticipate Canada's Chinese-style counterattack.

Furthermore, regarding remarks by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer that Canada's retaliatory measures were the kind of action China would take, the outlet criticized it as "an admission of failure in U.S. policy."

The Chinese government has maintained that its retaliatory measures against high U.S. tariffs last year were a response based on reciprocity and a step to safeguard the international trade system.

Although the U.S. and China have agreed to a so-called "trade war truce" after multiple rounds of negotiations, tensions surrounding export controls on high-tech goods continue to persist between the two countries.

However, following U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China in May, Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to make a state visit to the U.S. in September for the first time in about a decade, with both nations maintaining a stance aimed at preserving stability.

China's relations with Canada have also improved since Prime Minister Carney took office.

Prime Minister Carney visited China this year, and the two countries agreed to lower trade barriers across a wide range of areas, a move evaluated as a departure from the previous line of aligning with President Trump's trade policies.

Amidst these developments, the possibility of Chinese leadership, including President Xi, visiting Canada has also been raised.

Wu Xinbo, director of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, recently told Bloomberg News that the recent thaw in China-Canada relations raises the possibility of President Xi visiting Canada in a return visit format.

While noting that he had no knowledge of specific visit schedules, Wu said he expects President Xi or Premier Li Qiang to visit Canada within this year or early next year.

He added, however, that it is unlikely this plan will be aligned with President Xi's schedule for visiting the U.S.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.