China's new trade dispute with the U.S. could test Washington's commitment to the World Trade Organization, which has so far escaped the scrutiny of President Donald Trump, a critic of multilateral institutions,

China has initiated a dispute at the World Trade Organization against tariffs imposed by President Trump on its goods. Trump imposed these tariffs alongside tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, aiming to curb drugs and illegal immigration.

Ending tariff exemptions on low-cost packages from China has broad bipartisan support in Washington, and Trump pulled the plug when he raised tariffs on Chinese goods by 10% earlier this week. Goods sent through duty-free packages became subject not only to existing tariffs — 25% for many Chinese products — but also the new 10%.