Carbon tariff and the Countermeasures of China

The generation of carbon tariffs, on the one hand, was because in the200years after the Industrial Revolution, natural resources are being over-developed; resulting in the destruction of Earth’s natural environment, the increase of greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures year by year, and the survival of mankind has been threatened. Therefore, the protection of the environment has gradually become the consensus of human society. On the other hand, as the economies of developing countries rise rapidly, existing world economic structure is impacted. Developed countries to curb the momentum of this economic development, who wants to re-become the industry leader in the world, using a new type of trade defense instruments, this is a green trade barriers to protect their traditional industries. Therefore, the carbon tariffs are higher than the internationally recognized environmental regulations and standards to prevent foreign products into the country.Carbon tariffs are illegal because it violates the principle of national treatment under the WTO framework and universal MFN principle and does not apply to environmental protection exception. This is not fair for developing countries. That the developed countries impose carbon tariffs on China’s economy has produced and continues to have serious negative impact, therefore, China’s position on carbon tariffs should be absolute. China is resolutely opposed to developed countries unilaterally impose carbon tariffs, while not opposed to reducing carbon emissions. However, under the current international order led by the U.S., carbon tariffs are the general trend, which is difficult to stop. Therefore, China’s strategy should be not negative opposition, but to adapt and cope with, while avoiding disadvantages. Through domestic and international legal, economic, technical and other forms of measures to actively respond to carbon tariffs, China should minimize the negative effects of carbon tariffs and safeguard their economic interests and national economic security.