|By Babatunji Wusu-
-Beijing Threatens Countermeasures Over US-Led Trade Pressure
–China Warns Against Being Used as Bargaining Chip in Global Tariff Talks
China has warned countries worldwide to avoid entering economic deals with the United States at its expense, as tensions continue to escalate in the ongoing trade war between the two largest global economies.
In a statement released on Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it would firmly oppose any arrangement that undermines its economic interests, stressing that Beijing is ready to take strong countermeasures against any nation that bows to US pressure.
“China respects all parties resolving economic and trade differences with the United States through consultation on an equal footing,” a spokesperson for the ministry said.
“However, we will firmly oppose any party striking a deal at China’s expense.”
The warning follows reports that the Trump administration is pushing countries seeking tariff exemptions to reduce their trade with China in return. Sources claim the White House plans to impose monetary sanctions on nations that continue to engage China while lobbying for US trade relief.
“The United States has abused tariffs on all trading partners under the banner of so-called ‘equivalence’, while also forcing all parties into ‘reciprocal tariffs’ negotiations,” the spokesperson added.
The ministry asserted that China is determined and fully capable of protecting its economic rights and interests. It also pledged to deepen cooperation with other nations, urging solidarity against unilateral economic pressure.
President Donald Trump, on April 2, suspended historic tariffs on several countries — except China — signaling that Beijing remains the primary target of his aggressive trade policy. Since then, over 50 countries have reportedly approached US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to discuss tariff waivers, with some considering shifting trade patterns to appease Washington.
For instance, Japan is reportedly weighing an increase in soybean and rice imports from the US, while Indonesia is exploring plans to boost American food and commodity purchases while slashing orders from other trading partners.
In response, President Xi Jinping embarked on a tour across three Southeast Asian nations last week, calling for regional unity and resistance against “unilateral bullying” in trade relations.
“There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” Xi declared.
China’s stance signals a growing resistance to what it sees as US economic coercion, as it tries to rally support from countries caught in the middle of the trade standoff.
