China rejects G20 criticism over exports and trade imbalances

China has rejected a G20 statement that criticized economies heavily dependent on exports, saying the language amounted to protectionism. The dispute comes as the group of major economies debates trade imbalances and overcapacity, with China casting the criticism as an effort to pressure its economy. A Commerce Ministry spokesperson said Beijing opposes what it sees as attempts to use multilateral forums to target China. The comments follow remarks from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said most G20 members backed steps to address the effects of cheap exports, while China objected to the wording in the joint statement. The exchange adds to broader trade tensions involving the U.S. and Europe, including sanctions on Chinese entities and disputes over Chinese companies operating abroad. It also comes ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's planned visit to Washington later this month.