China has warned countries against striking economic deals with the United States that undermine its interests.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, China’s Commerce Ministry issued a statement asserting that appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected.
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal with the US at the expense of China’s interests,” the statement read.
The warning comes after a Bloomberg report revealed that the US plans to pressure countries into reducing trade with the Chinese government in exchange for avoiding the new tariffs on their exports, as President Donald Trump announced.
China’s Warning to Countries
The ministry cautioned other countries against prioritising their temporary selfish interests at the expense of others.
Further stating that such actions would ultimately fail and harm all parties that would have been involved.
The remarks followed reports that the US plans to leverage tariff negotiations to pressure many countries into implementing new trade barriers against the Chinese government.
The ministry further stated that Beijing would take reciprocal countermeasures against any country engaging in such actions.
Also Read: Why China Might Have a Winning Hand in Trade War With the U.S
Countries that are Negotiating Deals with the US
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer revealed early this month that about 50 countries had approached him seeking ways to avoid the new tariffs.
Since then, several bilateral talks have taken place. Japan is reportedly considering increasing imports of US soybeans and rice as part of its deal.
At the same time, South Korea has outlined a plan that would involve new US liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases, as well as joint ventures in shipbuilding and pipeline projects.
Additionally, Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, has proposed zero tariffs as a starting point for negotiations, with Taiwanese companies planning to ramp up investments in the US to make the deal more appealing.
Meanwhile, Indonesia has announced plans to increase its imports of US food and commodities, while reducing orders from other countries as part of its strategy.
Also Read: US and China Clash in DR Congo Over Gold & Other Minerals
US and China Trade War
China imposed a 125% tariff on American products in the bid to retaliate to the increase of tariffs by the Trump administration.
At the same time, President Trump introduced a 10% tax on goods from most other countries, while temporarily suspending higher tariffs for dozens of nations for 90 days.
Trump argued that these tariffs will strengthen US manufacturing and protect jobs. However, the global economy has been thrown into chaos, with prices expected to rise as a result of these trade measures.
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