On Monday, China issued a strong warning to other nations not to enter trade agreements with the United States that could harm Chinese interests.
Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea have initiated talks with Washington after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on nearly all of America’s trade partners on April 2.
Although most of these tariffs were quickly suspended due to market panic, Trump escalated them further against China. In response, China’s Ministry of Commerce stated:
“China strongly opposes any agreement made at the expense of Chinese interests. If this happens, China will never accept it and will take firm and reciprocal countermeasures. China is determined and capable of defending its rights and interests.”
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently urged countries negotiating with the U.S. to approach China “as a group” together with Washington.
China described the U.S. tariffs as a form of economic coercion:
“For short-term selfish gains, sacrificing the interests of others in exchange for so-called exemptions is like asking a tiger for its skin. It will only end in failure for both sides and will hurt others without benefiting oneself.”
While China said it remains open to dialogue, no talks have been officially announced.
Trump has made China the main target of his tariff strategy, imposing several rounds of duties amounting to a total of 145% on Chinese imports. In retaliation, Beijing responded with 125% tariffs on American goods.
These escalating tariffs have alarmed exporters, delayed shipments, and risk triggering negative effects on the global economy.
