🎧 Listen to This Article
As the U.S. intensifies its tariff war with China, Beijing has issued a stern warning to countries aligning with Washington, accusing them of “appeasement” and threatening countermeasures against nations it believes are undermining China’s trade interests.
On Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce criticized countries negotiating favorable trade terms with the United States while Beijing faces the brunt of tariff escalation. A spokesperson warned that countries prioritizing short-term gains through deals with Washington risk retaliation from China, calling such moves selfish and unsustainable.
“Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected,” the ministry said, cautioning nations not to sacrifice China’s interests for bilateral gains with the U.S.
In the current trade climate, China is subject to U.S. tariffs as high as 145% on certain exports, far beyond the 10% global average imposed on other nations. In response, Beijing has implemented retaliatory tariffs of up to 125% on U.S. goods, escalating a conflict that has rattled global markets and raised fears of a deeper recession.
“To seek one’s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others is to seek the skin of a tiger,” the ministry warned—an idiom implying self-destructive ambition.
Beijing’s statement arrives amid a wave of bilateral negotiations between the U.S. and various nations—including India, Vietnam, and Indonesia—all seeking to avoid punitive tariffs from the Trump administration by boosting imports from the U.S. and realigning supply chains.
But China is drawing a clear line: any deal perceived as damaging to Chinese interests will be met with “reciprocal countermeasures.”
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” the ministry emphasized. “If such a situation occurs, China will never accept it.”
Despite the aggressive tone from Beijing, President Donald Trump struck a more optimistic chord last week, stating that talks with China were ongoing and that he believes the two powers could “make a very good deal.” However, China has not confirmed the talks, and continues to accuse the U.S. of unilateralism and economic coercion.
Beijing has warned of a global return to “the law of the jungle,” where stronger economies dominate weaker ones through protectionist measures.
“Where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will become victims,” China said, urging nations to reject trade deals rooted in coercion.
The warning highlights Beijing’s growing concern over the unraveling of traditional multilateral trade frameworks, as countries cut side deals with Washington to safeguard their own economies. The Chinese government has consistently portrayed the U.S.’s approach as a threat to global economic stability and a breach of WTO norms.
Beijing’s rhetoric—invoking idioms, moral arguments, and stark threats—suggests that any international realignment that sidelines China could trigger a broader global trade confrontation.
For further details, clarification, contributions, or any concerns regarding this article, please contact us at editorial@tax.news. We value your feedback and are committed to providing accurate and timely information. Please note that our privacy policy will handle all inquiries
