President Joe Biden is resolute in his belief that the future of electric vehicles should be manufactured in America by union workers. In a speech before a crowd of union workers in the Rose Garden on May 14, he defended the recent increase in tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and other products, stating that American workers can excel as long as the competition is fair.
Highlighting unfair trade practices, he pointed out that Chinese companies have been heavily subsidized by the Chinese Communist Party, leading to an oversupply of products that undercut American manufacturers. Biden announced tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, batteries, critical minerals, semiconductors, steel, and aluminum to protect American jobs and industries.
He also emphasized his administration’s commitment to promoting electric vehicles and green energy in the country, including the creation of 500,000 EV charging stations. Biden reiterated that the future of electric vehicles should be built in America by union workers while adhering to international trade laws.
The new tariffs on Chinese imports are part of the administration’s efforts to ensure fair competition with China and strengthen America’s position in the global economy. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai echoed Biden’s stance on the tariffs, emphasizing that they are a response to unfair trade practices and not an escalation of conflict with China.
She distinguished the U.S. government’s support for the EV industry as defensive in nature, aimed at protecting American interests rather than seeking dominance in the global market. The administration’s actions are intended to defend American rights and ensure a level playing field in international trade. “They are focused on creating the necessary space for competition, growth, and survival in the face of the current challenges.”
However, the Chinese communist regime swiftly responded to the tariffs.
“It’s a blatant act of bullying,” stated Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, as reported by The Associated Press. He criticized the tariffs for disregarding market economy principles and international trade rules.
The Chinese commerce ministry denounced the tariffs as “typical political manipulation,” expressing strong dissatisfaction and vowing to defend their rights and interests with resolute measures.
President Biden addressed the potential for Chinese retaliation in an interview with Yahoo Finance, noting that China may escalate tariffs on unrelated products.
“I don’t anticipate it leading to international conflict, but they may seek to increase tariffs in other areas,” he said.
Terri Wu and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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