China objects to U.S. tariff increase on electric vehicles

China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement on Saturday strongly objecting to the U.S.’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports. The ministry urged Washington to correct what it described as “violations” immediately and to remove all tariffs imposed on its goods.

The statement added, “China will take necessary measures to firmly defend the interests of Chinese companies.”

This comes a day after Washington announced tariff hikes on Chinese goods worth billions of dollars, reaching up to 100% on electric vehicles and 25% on their batteries, which will take effect in two weeks.