Beijing is cautioning other nations against forging expanded trade agreements with the United States that could undermine Chinese interests, as tensions escalate in the ongoing tariff war between the world's two largest economies. China's latest warnings follow reports that the Trump administration intends to pressure countries seeking tariff negotiations with the US to reduce trade with China.
While US President Donald Trump has imposed a general 10 percent tariff on global imports, China faces much steeper tariffs, with levies as high as 145 percent on several of its products. In retaliation, China has implemented duties of up to 125 percent on US goods.
The Trump administration claims several countries are currently negotiating lower tariffs with the United States. However, China’s Commerce Ministry made a firm statement on Monday, expressing strong opposition to any economic deals that other nations might make with Washington at China’s expense.
"Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected," a spokesperson from China’s Commerce Ministry declared. "To seek one’s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others' is to seek the skin of a tiger," the ministry warned, indicating that such an approach is destined to fail and cause widespread harm.
"China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests," the spokesperson emphasized. "If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures."
Beijing also criticized Washington for "abusing" tariffs on all trading partners under the guise of "equivalence," while compelling countries into "reciprocal tariffs" negotiations.
China remains steadfast in defending its rights and interests and is eager to build solidarity with global partners, according to the ministry.
**The US-China Trade War Escalates**
President Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy has resulted in both Washington and Beijing imposing significant duties on each other's imports, exacerbating a standoff that has raised fears of a global economic downturn and caused market upheaval.
Recently, Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration plans to pressure nations seeking tariff reductions or exemptions to limit their trade with China, including the potential imposition of monetary penalties.
Despite the tensions, Trump has stated that the United States is engaged in tariff discussions with China and expressed optimism about reaching a favorable agreement to resolve the trade conflict.
"We're in talks with China... they have reached out several times," Trump remarked to reporters at the Oval Office. "I think we're going to make a very good deal with China."
While China has pledged to fight the trade war to the end, it has not confirmed any negotiations with the US, although it has advocated for dialogue.
Beijing has vehemently criticized the US for what it terms "unilateralism and protectionism" and warned against a regression to an international order dominated by the "law of the jungle."
"In a world where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will ultimately become victims," Beijing stated on Monday.