The trade war between the two major economies of the United States and China continues to escalate and may involve more countries. The Beijing government issued a stern warning on Monday, stating that if any country damages China's interests in cooperation with the United States, China will not hesitate to retaliate. This statement is a response to the United States' expanded tariff offensive and attempt to rally other countries to confront China.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated: "Pursuing hegemonic politics in economic and trade fields and implementing unilateral bullying. Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not earn respect. Seeking personal short-term interests by damaging others' interests is like skinning a tiger, which will ultimately result in mutual loss and harm."
Table of Contents
ToggleUS Uses Negotiations to Pressure Allies, China Responds Firmly
The Trump administration plans to pressure allies during tariff negotiations, limiting their economic interactions with China. Although the US temporarily suspended tariffs on multiple countries for 90 days, tariffs on Chinese imported goods were raised to as high as 145%. Facing this situation, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce emphasized that no country will be allowed to reach an agreement with the US at the expense of China's interests.
The Ministry of Commerce spokesperson stated: "China resolutely opposes any party reaching an agreement at the expense of China's interests, and if such a situation occurs, China will definitely take decisive and reciprocal countermeasures."
China Accuses US of "Unilateral Bullying", Claims to Defend Fair Trade
Besides issuing a retaliatory warning, China is also trying to reshape its image in the international trade system. The Ministry of Commerce stated that China is willing to cooperate with all countries to jointly maintain international fairness and justice. At the same time, it criticized the US for abusing tariff measures, implementing "unilateral bullying", and disrupting the global trade order.
China warned that if such actions are allowed to develop, international trade will become a "jungle law" that poses a potential threat to all countries.
Beijing Escalates Retaliatory Measures, US Companies Become Target
This month, China adopted more aggressive countermeasures against the US, raising import tariffs on US goods to 125%, restricting key mineral exports, and blacklisting multiple US companies, prohibiting them from cooperating with Chinese enterprises. Although these are mostly small and medium-sized companies, the symbolic significance is substantial, showing that China will no longer tolerate unilateral pressure.
Despite the tense situation, Trump still stated last week that he expects to reach some agreement with China in three to four weeks. However, most analysts remain skeptical, believing that a short-term compromise is difficult.
Xi Jinping's Southeast Asia Trip Sends Anti-US Signal
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia last week, his first overseas trip in 2025. During meetings with the leaders of these three countries, Xi Jinping called for joint resistance against tariff barriers and "unilateral bullying", apparently attempting to win over neighboring countries to counter US pressure.
Currently, Southeast Asia has become China's largest regional trading partner, while the US remains China's largest single country trading partner.
China Adjusts Negotiation Team, Files Complaint Against US at WTO
In terms of trade negotiations, China has also made internal adjustments, appointing Li Chenggang to replace the original chief negotiator and promoting him to vice-minister. Li Chenggang previously served as China's ambassador to the World Trade Organization, indicating that Beijing may seek breakthroughs in multilateral systems. China has filed a complaint with the WTO regarding the US's latest tariff measures, preparing to launch a legal battle on the international stage.
Risk Warning
Cryptocurrency investments carry high risks, and prices may fluctuate dramatically. You may lose all your principal. Please carefully assess the risks.
