Written By Lisa Murimi
China has issued a stern warning to countries considering trade deals with the United States that could undermine Beijing’s interests, as tensions escalate in the ongoing US-China trade war.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry declared it would “resolutely take countermeasures” against any nation striking agreements with Washington at China’s expense.
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests. If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures”.
This comes amid reports that the Trump administration is leveraging tariff exemptions to pressure allies into restricting trade with China.
Since returning to office in January, President Trump has implemented sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods and slapped levies on imports from other nations.
“Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot earn one respect,” a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson said.
This is echoing a recent state controlled China Daily editorial that cautioned the EU against siding with the US.
Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with the US over tariff relief.
Japan’s chief negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met President Trump last week, while South Korea is set to follow.
Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance will visit India, which faces a 26% tariff without a trade deal.
Critics warn that Trump’s aggressive tariff agenda could destabilize global markets and delay domestic manufacturing revival.
Trump has imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods, with further hikes possible. In retaliation, China has hit US goods with up to 125% tariffs.
Despite recent pauses for some countries, the escalating trade standoff between the world’s largest economies has sent ripples through global markets, forcing nations to navigate carefully between two economic superpowers.
