China Warns Against US Trade Deals That Undermine Beijing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ China warned nations not to strike US trade deals that hurt its interests. Beijing pledged retaliation if excluded from bilateral negotiations. Tensions escalate after Trump’s tariffs reignite trade war with China.
China Warns Against US Trade Deals That Undermine Its Interests: Quick Looks
- Beijing’s Warning: China issued a stern warning Monday to countries considering trade deals with the U.S. that might come at China’s expense.
- Targeted Nations: Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea are currently in negotiations with Washington following Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
- China’s Stance: The Commerce Ministry said it would “resolutely take countermeasures” if any country makes deals that harm Chinese interests.
- No Peace Through Appeasement: In a strongly worded statement, Beijing called the U.S. tariffs “economic bullying.”
- US Response: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged allies to coordinate trade talks with China jointly alongside the U.S.
- Tariff Breakdown: Trump imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, while Beijing responded with 125% tariffs on U.S. goods.
- Economic Impact: The tit-for-tat measures have rattled exporters and global markets, raising fears of long-term disruption.
- Open to Dialogue: China said it’s willing to talk but no trade meetings with the U.S. have been scheduled yet.
China Warns Against US Trade Deals That Undermine Beijing
Deep Look
BEIJING, April 21 — The Chinese government issued a forceful rebuke Monday to U.S. allies negotiating bilateral trade deals with Washington, warning that any agreement made “at the expense of China’s interests” will be met with swift retaliation.
The warning came as countries like Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea initiated trade talks with the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, introduced on April 2. Though the White House later paused the tariffs for most nations, Trump escalated penalties against China, raising duties on Chinese imports to 145%—a move that reignited fears of a prolonged trade war.
Beijing’s Sharp Warning
In a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce, officials cautioned against countries seeking exemptions or favorable terms from Washington that could undermine China’s global standing or economic interests.
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” the ministry said. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner.”
The ministry described the U.S. tariff policy as “economic bullying” and criticized the attempt by Washington to divide trading partners.
“Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot win respect,” the statement added. “Sacrificing the interests of others in exchange for so-called exemptions is like seeking the skin from a tiger. It will ultimately fail and harm all parties involved.”
Washington Pushes for Unity
Earlier this month, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent encouraged American allies to approach China “as a group” and coordinate strategies to avoid undermining each other while navigating the evolving trade landscape.
Still, the Trump administration has continued its pressure campaign on China, applying more tariffs than on any other country. The White House says the tough stance is meant to rebalance global trade and force Beijing to adopt fairer economic practices.
No Trade Talks Yet
Despite expressing openness to talks, China has not announced any formal negotiations with the United States. Analysts believe Beijing may be waiting for clarity on whether Trump’s 90-day tariff pause will be extended—or if harsher measures will follow.
In retaliation to the U.S. tariffs, China imposed 125% tariffs on a wide range of American goods, impacting sectors from agriculture to technology. The mutual tariffs have already disrupted export pipelines and delayed international shipments.
Global Repercussions
Economists warn that the tit-for-tat measures risk weighing down global growth, especially as both countries play central roles in the international supply chain. Exporters have reported stalled orders and increased logistical costs as businesses hesitate to commit under such uncertainty.
The IMF recently revised its global economic outlook downward, citing trade instability driven by the U.S.-China standoff and a broader shift toward protectionist policies.
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