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Beijing has issued a stern warning to countries considering trade deals with the United States that could harm Chinese interests, threatening "resolute countermeasures" as the global trade conflict intensifies.
"Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot earn one respect," declared a Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson on Monday. The statement directly challenges the US strategy of pressuring nations to restrict Chinese trade in exchange for tariff exemptions.
Since Trump's January return to the White House, US-China trade tensions have escalated dramatically. The administration has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports, which could reach 245% when combined with existing levies. China has retaliated with 125% taxes on American products and vowed to "fight to the end."
Trump initially announced steep tariffs on dozens of America's trading partners but quickly instituted a 90-day pause for all nations except China. This strategic pause created an opportunity for bilateral negotiations, with over 70 countries reportedly reaching out to start talks.
Japan began discussions last week when its top tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, met with President Trump in Washington. South Korea's acting president confirmed trade talks would commence this week, while US Vice President JD Vance is expected to meet India's Prime Minister Modi during his upcoming visit.
"Certainly, Japan doesn't want to choose between America and the People's Republic of China," noted Jesper Koll from Monex Group, highlighting the difficult position many nations face. For Japan, approximately 20% of its profitability comes from the US market, while 15% derives from China.
Beijing's warning reflects historical precedent. When South Korea deployed the US THAAD missile defense system in 2016, China suspended tourism packages and hindered Korean business operations. Similar targeted responses occurred last year when China banned dual-use exports to the US military and restricted rare earth materials critical to defense industries.
President Xi Jinping has intensified diplomatic outreach across Southeast Asia, recently touring Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia to rally an "Asian family" capable of withstanding US pressure tactics.
The escalating trade conflict has sent shockwaves through global financial markets. While Trump claims the tariffs will boost American manufacturing and increase tax revenue, critics argue that reshoring production could take decades and cause significant economic disruption in the meantime.
