China alleges that the tariffs are based on unfounded and false allegations, and are in excess of the U.S.’s bound rates in a tariff agreement from 1994.

President Donald Trump has finally made good on a campaign promise to raise tariffs on Chinese imports – announcing on Saturday duties of 10% on all Chinese goods coming in the country as part of sweeping trade measures that also targeted Mexico and Canada.

A growing number of countries, including American allies, are striking trade deals as the Trump administration erects a higher fence around its global commerce.

Beijing will challenge President Trump’s new levies with a lawsuit at the World Trade Organization, said a spokesperson from the Commerce Ministry. The spokesperson called the U.S. actions a “blatant act of unilateralism and trade protectionism.

If the dispute is not resolved after 60 days, "the complainant may request adjudication by a panel." Experts then assess whether the tariffs are compliant with WTO rules, in a pro