China hits back at US and EU as trade rows deepen

China has taken retaliatory measures against the US and EU as trade tensions continue to escalate. The Ministry of Commerce announced an anti-dumping probe into imports of a widely used plastic from the US, EU, Taiwan, and Japan. This plastic, known as polyoxymethylene copolymer, is used in electronics and cars. The move is seen as a signal that China is prepared to retaliate in its trade disputes with the US and Europe. The trade rows between China and the US and EU have intensified in recent months, with the US imposing sweeping border taxes on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and computer chips. In response, China's commerce ministry criticized the politicization of economic issues and warned that the new US moves would severely affect the atmosphere for bilateral cooperation. China's foreign ministry also stated that it would take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Additionally, China has sanctioned three American defense firms over their sales of weapons to Taiwan, barring them from import and export business in China. Meanwhile, Europe has launched a series of probes into Chinese imports, including an investigation into Chinese tinplate steel and a probe into Chinese solar panel makers benefiting from government subsidies.