China Condemns U.S. Trade Probes, Arms Sales to Taiwan
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce held a regular press briefing in Beijing on Friday, March 13, 2026, addressing questions on U.S. trade measures, sanctions, and proposed arms sales to Taiwan, reaffirming Beijing's firm positions on these issues.
During the daily briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun highlighted China's opposition to recent U.S. actions targeting multiple economies.
U.S. 301 Investigations on Overcapacity
In response to a reporter's question on the March 11 announcement by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) initiating Section 301 investigations into 16 economies, including China, citing 'overcapacity', a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson criticized the move as unilateral and disruptive to global trade rules.
'Section 301 investigations represent classic unilateralism, seriously undermining the international economic and trade order,' the spokesperson said. 'WTO panels have already ruled that tariffs imposed under Section 301 violate global trade rules. The so-called ‘overcapacity' argument is flawed. Global production and consumption are integrated; supply and demand must be balanced on a global scale.'
The spokesperson added that labeling excess production beyond domestic needs as 'overcapacity' is narrow and misleading. The U.S. has no authority to unilaterally determine other countries' industrial capacity or impose trade restrictions based on such determinations. China also noted that the U.S. recently launched a separate 301 investigation against 60 economies, including China, over alleged imports of forced labor products. Beijing is analyzing the implications and urged Washington to correct its approach and return to dialogue-based solutions. China reserved the right to take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate interests.
On Hong Kong and Jimmy Lai
Responding to questions about U.S. proposals linking the release of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai to potential easing of sanctions, Guo stated that Lai was a principal organizer of anti-China activities in Hong Kong. 'His actions severely undermined the ‘One Country, Two Systems' principle, endangered national security, and threatened Hong Kong's stability and citizens' well-being. Legal accountability is warranted,' Guo emphasized.
He further stressed that the central government supports Hong Kong authorities in enforcing the law, opposes foreign interference in judicial affairs, and condemned U.S. unilateral sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials as illegal.
Critical Minerals and International Trade
On questions regarding U.S., Japanese, and other nations' measures concerning critical minerals, Guo called for an open, inclusive, and equitable global trade environment. 'All parties have a responsibility to contribute constructively to the stability and security of global supply chains for critical minerals. We oppose any country attempting to disrupt international trade rules through ‘small circle' agreements,' he said.
U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan
Reuters reported that the U.S. plans to sell advanced interceptor missiles and other military equipment to Taiwan, pending presidential approval and potentially timed after a U.S.-China visit. In response, Guo reiterated China's firm opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
'China's stance on arms sales to Taiwan is consistent and clear. The U.S. must fully observe the One-China principle and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiqués, especially the August 17, 1982, communiqué, and immediately halt arms sales to Taiwan. Practical action is needed to safeguard stable China-U.S. relations and peace across the Taiwan Strait,' Guo said.