In response to reports that Mexico’s plans to impose tariffs on Chinese imports have been delayed until at least December, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has reiterated its opposition to protectionist measures and called for closer cooperation between the two nations.
According to Bloomberg, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s proposed tariff policy on Chinese imports has encountered resistance from Mexico’s private sector and even some members of her ruling party. The disagreement has led to a postponement of the plan, reflecting divisions within the government and the business community over how to balance domestic industrial protection with international trade commitments.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed the matter in Beijing, emphasizing that China stands for open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial globalization. Lin stated that China “upholds a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization and opposes unilateralism, protectionism, and discriminatory and exclusive measures in any form.”
He further noted that China “firmly opposes moves taken under coercion to impose restrictions on China or hurt China’s legitimate rights and interests under whatever pretext.” Lin made clear that Beijing would “firmly defend our legitimate interests in light of the developments of the situation.”
Highlighting the broader context of China-Mexico relations, Lin described the two countries as “important members of the Global South,” underscoring that their economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial. “China values its relations with Mexico,” Lin said, stressing the importance of maintaining constructive engagement between the two economies.
Amid a global environment marked by growing tariff pressures from certain major economies, Lin called for enhanced dialogue between China and Mexico. “Against the current backdrop of certain country’s tariff levies, it’s all the more important for China and Mexico to step up communication and coordination, jointly uphold free trade and multilateralism, and promote world economic recovery and global trade development,” he said.
The statement reflects China’s consistent diplomatic messaging against trade restrictions and its broader effort to strengthen partnerships with countries in Latin America and the Global South. While Mexico’s delay in implementing tariffs may ease immediate tensions, the issue highlights the complex interplay between domestic political considerations and international trade dynamics as global supply chains continue to shift.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements from the Chinese Foreign Ministry and publicly available media reports. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent the views of the publisher.
