China Warns Countries Against Striking Trade Deals With US At Its Expense

China has issued a strong warning to nations considering entering into broader economic agreements with the United States at the expense of China, escalating the rhetoric in an ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce emphasized that China respects efforts to resolve economic and trade issues with the United States through consultations on an equal footing. However, it made clear that it will oppose any deals made at China’s expense, stating that such negotiations would provoke firm countermeasures.

This statement came after reports suggested that the US administration, led by President Trump, was preparing to pressure countries to limit their trade with China in return for tariff exemptions from the United States. A spokesperson from the Chinese Commerce Ministry said that the US has unfairly applied tariffs on all its trading partners under the guise of ‘equivalence’ and was attempting to force other nations into tariff negotiations that benefit only the US.

Beijing made it clear that it would firmly protect its own rights and interests, highlighting China’s determination and ability to resist external pressures. It also affirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with its international trade partners, seeking to maintain a united front against what it called “unilateral bullying.”

The Trump administration has reportedly been encouraging countries to reduce their trade with China, offering tariff exemptions as an incentive. This includes discussions about monetary sanctions to enforce these changes. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer revealed that nearly 50 countries had already approached his office to discuss the additional tariffs imposed by President Trump.

Several countries, including Japan and Indonesia, have engaged in bilateral talks about tariffs since these tensions have escalated. Japan is reportedly exploring raising imports of soybeans and rice, while Indonesia plans to increase US food and commodity imports while reducing orders from other countries.

Amid this backdrop, President Xi Jinping of China recently visited three Southeast Asian nations to bolster regional relations and urged trade partners to resist the pressures of unilateral trade measures. In his remarks, Xi pointed out, “There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” underscoring the destructive nature of these ongoing global tensions.

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