BEIJING: China has vowed to retaliate against the United States for its latest round of “arbitrary tariffs,” accusing Washington of unfairly penalizing Beijing despite ongoing cooperation on key global issues.
At a press conference on the sidelines of China’s annual parliamentary session, Foreign Minister Wang Yi sharply criticized the US for imposing punitive tariffs while simultaneously benefiting from China’s assistance in addressing its fentanyl crisis.
China Denounces US Trade Moves
The US recently increased tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico over alleged fentanyl smuggling. Beijing, which claims to have taken significant steps to curb the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals, has slammed the move as unjustified. The new tariffs come amid escalating economic tensions following Donald Trump’s return to office.
“No country should expect to suppress China while maintaining good relations with China,” Wang warned. “Such two-faced acts do not contribute to stability or mutual trust in bilateral relations.”
He further criticized Washington’s self-serving approach to global cooperation, warning that such policies could destabilize the international order and disproportionately harm smaller nations.
“If major powers only prioritize their own interests, the world will regress to the law of the jungle, and small, weaker nations will suffer first,” Wang stated.
Escalating Trade Retaliation
The US tariffs, which raised duties on all Chinese imports to 20%, have triggered Beijing’s countermeasures—an additional 15% duty on US agricultural exports such as chicken, pork, soy, and beef. China has also expanded business restrictions on key US firms.
Analysts suggest Beijing is pursuing a strategy of measured rhetoric, signaling openness to negotiation but making it clear that continued economic pressure will not go unanswered.
Ukraine, Russia, and Global Alliances
Turning to the Ukraine conflict, Wang reiterated China’s position in favor of a diplomatic resolution, saying the war “could have been avoided.”
“China will continue to play a constructive role in achieving lasting peace, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned,” Wang said.
He emphasized that “security should be mutual and equal, and no country should build its security on the insecurity of another.”
Despite US diplomatic overtures to Russia, Wang reaffirmed China’s close ties with Moscow, calling their relationship “a constant in a turbulent world, not a variable in geopolitical games.” Beijing and Moscow are set to jointly commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, further solidifying their alliance.
China’s Growing Influence in the Global South
Wang also positioned China as a leader in the Global South, advocating for greater representation of developing nations in global governance.
“If every country focuses only on its national priorities and status, the world will slide back into the law of the jungle,” he warned, in a veiled rebuke of US policies under Trump’s administration.
As Washington pivots away from multilateral institutions, Beijing appears to be filling the diplomatic vacuum, strengthening ties with Europe and emerging economies.
What’s Next?
With US-China tensions showing no signs of de-escalation, both nations appear headed for a prolonged standoff. The absence of high-level talks suggests that further retaliatory measures could be imminent, increasing uncertainty in global markets.
Meanwhile, China’s deepening engagement with Europe and developing nations hints at a long-term strategy to counterbalance US influence on the global stage.
