China warned that it would take “resolute and reciprocal” countermeasures against countries that strike trade deals with the United States at the expense of Chinese interests, in the latest escalation of tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
The warning came from China’s Ministry of Commerce in response to reports that the Trump administration is pressuring nations seeking tariff relief from the US to reduce trade ties with China. “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” the ministry said in a statement.
Beijing’s remarks followed a Bloomberg report that Washington is preparing to impose monetary sanctions on countries that fail to comply with its demands to limit trade with China. The Trump administration recently paused sweeping tariffs for dozens of countries—except China, which remains subject to the steepest levies under the US ‘liberation day’ campaign to reclaim manufacturing and tighten trade rules.
US tariffs on Chinese goods have reached 145 per cent, prompting retaliatory duties of up to 125 per cent from Beijing, reported Reuters. China has said its across-the-board tariff rates will not rise further, but warned that any concessions made by other countries to gain favour with the US could trigger consequences.
“Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected,” China’s commerce ministry said, as quoted by The Guardian. “To seek one’s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others’ interests is to seek the skin of a tiger.”
The ministry further stated that such strategies would “ultimately fail on both ends and harm others”, and said that China remains capable of defending its economic rights.
Rising tariffs and global pressure tactics
In recent weeks, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said nearly 50 countries had approached Washington for exemptions from the increased tariffs. Reuters reported that Japan is considering increasing US soybean and rice imports while Indonesia plans to boost American food and commodity purchases while reducing orders from other trading partners.
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Amid these shifting trade alliances, Chinese President Xi Jinping embarked on a tour of Southeast Asia last week to reinforce regional economic ties. In an article published in Vietnamese media, Xi stated: “There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” though he refrained from directly mentioning the United States.
China calls out ‘unilateralism’ and prepares counter-efforts
As part of a broader effort to highlight US trade practices on the world stage, Beijing will convene an informal United Nations Security Council meeting this week to accuse Washington of “bullying” and undermining global peace and development through its weaponisation of tariffs, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has stepped up efforts to limit China’s progress in sensitive technologies. It recently imposed port fees on China-built vessels and targeted the semiconductor sector, leading US AI chipmaker Nvidia to announce $5.5 billion in charges due to export curbs.
Despite escalating rhetoric, President Trump signaled optimism about reaching an agreement. “Yeah, we’re talking to China,” he said on Thursday, according to The Guardian. “I think we’re going to make a very good deal with China.”
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However, Beijing has not confirmed ongoing negotiations and continues to call for dialogue.
(With inputs from Reuters and The Guardian)
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