BEIJING – China warned Monday that it would retaliate against countries that work with the US in ways that compromise Beijing’s interests, as it threatens a trade war between the two biggest economies of the world to spark other countries.
China’s warning is as US President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly plans to use tariff negotiations to pressure US partners to limit transactions with China. Trump suspended this month from increasing the duties of goods from China to 145% after massive tariffs in other countries for 90 days.
“China is firmly opposed to any party that reaches a deal at the expense of China’s interests. If this happens, China will not accept it and will take a decisive mutual action,” the Chinese Commerce Department said.
The ministry warned of the risks of all countries after international trade returned to “jungle laws.”
The statement also sought to cast China on its efforts to “define international fairness and justice” while describing US actions as “abusing tariffs” and “unilateral bullying.”
In a more difficult position this month, China retaliated against US tariffs that involved a 125% tax on US imports. Beijing also places several US companies on a blacklist that restricts the export of critical minerals and limits its ability to work with Chinese companies.
Analysts don’t expect the US and China to reach deals anytime soon, but Trump on Thursday expected an agreement could be reached in the next three to four weeks.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia last week on his first overseas trip in 2025. In his official Chinese reading of his meeting with leaders from three countries, XI called for joint efforts to oppose tariffs and “unilateral bullying.”
Since Trump imposed tariffs on China during his first term, Asian countries have now increased trade with China’s biggest trading partner on a regional basis. The United States remains China’s biggest trading partner.
Last week, China’s Ministry of Commerce replaced the top negotiator of international trade with Li Chenggang. China has filed a lawsuit against the US over Trump’s latest increase in tariffs.
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