Photo: CFP

China has filed a complaint at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Canada's unilateralism and trade protectionism practices, according to a spokesperson of the Chinese Commerce Ministry (MOFCOM) on Wednesday.

The ministry said it has also initiated an anti-discrimination probe into Canada's restrictive measures targeting certain imports from China.

The Canadian government announced on Tuesday the final list of Chinese-made steel and aluminum subject to a 25 percent tariff, along with a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs), effective immediately.

These moves were made despite opposition and warnings from multiple sources.

Commenting on the announcement made by the Canadian side, MOFCOM spokesperson said that Canada's measures violate the principles of market economy and fair competition, severely damaging normal economic and trade cooperation between Chinese and Canadian enterprises, significantly impacting bilateral economic and trade relations, and disrupting and distorting global industrial and supply chains. China firmly opposes these actions by the Canadian side, according to the spokesperson.

The MOFCOM spokesperson urged Canada to view bilateral economic and trade cooperation rationally and objectively, respect the facts, adhere to WTO rules, and not stray further down the wrong path. 

China will take all necessary steps to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the spokesperson emphasized.

Canada's action is a blind follow-up to the US approach without carefully assessing its own market conditions, Zhou Mi, a senior research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Despite considerable opposition, Canada insists on implementing its protectionist measures, which will directly impact its industrial development and green transition, Zhou said.

"Furthermore, it will affect Canada's role in the multilateral economic and trade system and increase trade friction and economic costs. The related industrial chains will also face further restrictions, which will weaken Canada's ties to currently leading global green development technologies," Zhou further noted.

On September 11, China requested WTO dispute consultations with Canada regarding surtax measures imposed on certain Chinese products, including EVs and steel and aluminum products, according to the WTO.

The MOFCOM announced that it commenced from September 26 an anti-discrimination probe into Canada's tariff hikes on EVs as well as steel and aluminum products imported from China, after initial results have unveiled such discriminatory approach.

According to Xinhua News Agency, it is the first such investigation initiated by China and also the first of its kind in the world.