China Warns Nations Against US Trade Deals That Undermine Its Interests
China has issued a stark warning to countries considering trade deals with the United States that could harm its economic interests, signaling a tougher stance amid growing tensions with Washington. In a statement from its Ministry of Commerce, Beijing made it clear that it “resolutely opposes” any agreement made at China’s expense and promised to respond with equal countermeasures if provoked. Labeling the US’s approach as “unilateral bullying,” China also called for tighter global coordination to push back against American pressure.
This move comes as several countries are in talks with the Trump administration to secure exemptions from new US tariffs. In exchange, the US is pushing allies to reduce their ties with China, especially in key sectors like high-tech manufacturing. Washington has floated the idea of “secondary tariffs” and is actively discouraging partners from becoming a backdoor for rerouted Chinese exports. Vietnam, for instance, has started cracking down on goods crossing its borders to block Chinese products from slipping through.
While the US is rallying allies like Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea for trade discussions, experts are skeptical about Washington’s ability to build a solid anti-China front. Critics point to Trump’s inconsistent trade policies as a key weakness. Still, China’s trade surpluses continue to be a sore spot, and some argue that Beijing needs to boost domestic demand to rebalance global trade dynamics. South Korea’s trade minister is due in Washington this week—part of a diplomatic sprint driven by rising economic stakes.
China, for its part, has a track record of retaliating when it sees others acting against its interests in sync with the US. From its economic pushback on South Korea in 2016 over the Thaad missile system to its recent export restrictions on rare earth elements, Beijing is leveraging its economic power more than ever. As trade tensions deepen, China isn’t just defending itself—it’s also expanding its diplomatic footprint, with President Xi Jinping touring Southeast Asia to tighten regional partnerships and promote intra-Asian cooperation.
Source: Nairametrics