US explains why it is not imposing tariffs on China for its support of Russia
Photo: Donald Trump, US President (Getty Images)
The US is not yet imposing tariffs against China for its support of Russia in the war against Ukraine, as trade negotiations with Beijing are still ongoing, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said this in an interview with Bloomberg.
"President Trump has not put tariffs on China because those negotiations are ongoing. And the war in Ukraine is certainly part of that discussion," Whitaker noted.
The diplomat recalled that the last time Beijing and Washington engaged in a tariff war, it ended with the introduction of 145% duties on both sides.
"That’s not the way it’s going to resolve the situation both on trade with China and war of Russia and Ukraine," Whitaker believes.
The ambassador pointed out that tariffs on India "have changed their calculation" regarding purchases of Russian oil, but are "probably not going to foster a closer relationship in trade with India."
Whitaker also clarified that Trump "certainly knows that he has those cards to play," and he may impose tariffs if he deems it necessary.
Tariffs against India
Earlier, US President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on India because it continues to purchase Russian oil despite Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
Trump’s decree on tariffs against India stipulates that such measures may also be applied to other countries.
At the same time, Washington has not introduced such measures against China, which is the largest importer of Russian oil.
