Beijing: China has issued a strong warning to countries considering broader trade agreements with the United States that might harm Beijing’s interests, intensifying rhetoric in the ongoing tariff standoff between the world’s two largest economies.
The warning comes as reports suggest the US, under the Trump administration, plans to pressure countries seeking tariff relief to limit their trade with China. While the US imposed a general 10% tariff on most countries, Chinese goods are being hit with levies of up to 145%. In retaliation, China has slapped tariffs of up to 125% on American products.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Monday it “firmly opposes” any trade negotiations between other nations and the US that would undermine China’s economic interests.
“Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected,” a ministry spokesperson stated. “To seek one’s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others is to seek the skin of a tiger. Such behavior will ultimately backfire and harm all involved.”
Beijing added that it will not accept any agreement that is made “at the expense of China’s interests” and warned of “resolute reciprocal countermeasures” should such deals proceed.
Criticizing the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff policies, Beijing accused Washington of “abusing” the tariff system and pushing other countries into so-called “reciprocal tariff” negotiations under the guise of fairness. China stressed its willingness to stand united with global partners while safeguarding its own rights.
The escalating US-China trade war has seen both sides imposing crippling tariffs on each other’s goods, triggering fears of a global economic downturn. Bloomberg recently reported that the US is preparing to enforce measures that could penalize nations trading with China while seeking American tariff exemptions.
President Trump, however, signaled optimism about potential progress. “Yeah, we’re talking to China… I would say they have reached out a number of times,” he said, expressing confidence in a possible deal.
China has not confirmed any current talks but reiterated its readiness to defend its position, condemning “unilateralism and protectionism” by the US and warning that the global order could descend into “the law of the jungle” if current trends continue.
“Where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will become victims,” Beijing said, reiterating its call for fair trade practices and mutual respect.