China vows ‘resolute, effective measures’ after US' additional 50% tariff
Beijing, Apr 9 (PTI): China on Wednesday promised to take “resolute and forceful” measures to safeguard its rights and interests, after net total tariffs of 104 per cent by President Donald Trump on Chinese imports into the US took effect.
After Trump's additional 50 per cent tariffs on the world's second-largest economy, China has not announced any new tariffs on the US.
President Trump’s next round of punishing tariffs on some of America’s largest trading partners went into effect on Wednesday, including stiff new levies that will increase import taxes on Chinese goods by at least 104 percent.
Trump’s explosive new tariffs on 60 countries came into effect just after midnight Wednesday US time.
The additional tariffs on China kicked in after Beijing refused to meet Trump's deadline to withdraw its own retaliatory levies on the US.
Asked why China has not slapped retaliatory tariffs after Tuesday’s assertions to fight till the end and whether the two countries are holding talks to resolve the issue, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a media briefing here “China continues to take firm and resolute measures to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests”.
"We will not tolerate any attempt to harm China’s sovereignty, security and development interests”, he said.
"As for the dialogue you mentioned, if the US really wants to address the issue through talks it should take the attitude of equality respect and mutual benefit," he said.
"But right now, the US still abusing tariffs on China perusing maximum pressure and China opposes and never accepts such bullying and hegemonic acts," he said.
On April 2, the president imposed a 10 per cent global tariff on hundreds of countries and promised far steeper “reciprocal” tariffs on April 9 for nations that he maintains have “ripped off” America.
Since February, the president has imposed successive rounds of tariffs on China. On Wednesday, the minimum tax on Chinese imports hit 104 per cent.
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Gehlot changes profile pic to 'Save Aravalli', asks Centre to reconsider definition
Jaipur (PTI): Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Thursday urged the Centre to reconsider its definition of the Aravallis, warning that any damage to the mountain range posed a serious threat to the ecological future of north India.
Gehlot, a former Rajasthan chief minister, changed his social media profile picture in support of the nationwide 'SaveAravalli' campaign amid growing debate over mining and environmental safeguards in the Aravalli Range.
It was his symbolic protest against the new interpretation under which hills lower than 100 metres are no longer being recognised as part of the Aravalli system, he said.
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"The Aravalli cannot be judged by tape measures or height alone. It must be assessed by its ecological importance," Gehlot said, adding that the revised definition raised "a big question" over the future of north India.
Appealing to the Centre and the Supreme Court, Gehlot said the issue must be reconsidered in the interest of future generations and environmental security. He also urged citizens to participate in the campaign by changing their display pictures online to draw attention to the issue.
He said the Aravalli range functioned as a natural green wall against the expansion of the Thar desert and extreme heatwaves, protecting Delhi, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh. Opening up smaller hills and so-called gap areas for mining would allow desertification to advance rapidly, he warned.
Gehlot also flagged concerns over air pollution, saying the hills and forests of the Aravallis acted as the "lungs" of the National Capital Region by checking dust storms and absorbing pollutants.
"When pollution levels are so alarming even with the Aravalli standing, one can imagine how disastrous the situation will be without it," he said.
Highlighting the water crisis, the former chief minister said the rocky terrain of the Aravallis played a crucial role in groundwater recharge by channelising rainwater underground.
"If the hills are destroyed, drinking water shortages will intensify, wildlife will disappear and the entire ecology will be pushed into danger," he said.
Gehlot argued that, from a scientific perspective, the Aravallis was a continuous chain and that even smaller hillocks were as vital as higher peaks.
