China condemns US tariff strategy, vows retaliation against deals undermining its interests

China has issued a strong warning against any trade arrangements between the United States and its global partners that come at the expense of Chinese interests, stating it will take decisive countermeasures should such agreements materialize.

In a statement released by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, China reiterated its firm opposition to what it described as an emerging US strategy to pressure third countries into restricting trade ties with China in return for exemptions from punitive tariffs, Caliber.Az reports per Chinese media.

"China firmly opposes any deal between the United States and its trading partners at the expense of Chinese interests," the spokesperson said. "If such a situation arises, China will not accept it and will resolutely take corresponding countermeasures," the statement continued, underscoring Beijing’s determination to defend its "legitimate rights and interests."

The remarks came in response to growing reports that Washington is seeking to leverage its tariff policy to coerce other nations into aligning with its economic stance against China. Under the pretext of enforcing “reciprocity” in trade, the US has reportedly been imposing sweeping tariffs while pushing countries to enter into so-called “reciprocal tariff” negotiations.

"Under the guise of so-called 'reciprocity,' the United States has been recently arbitrarily imposing tariffs on all its trading partners while pressuring them to engage in so-called 'reciprocal tariff' negotiations," the spokesperson noted. "This is essentially using the banner of 'reciprocity' as a pretext to pursue hegemonic politics and unilateral bullying in the field of international economy and trade."

Beijing issued a stark warning against appeasement and compromise in the face of what it views as American economic coercion. "Appeasement does not bring peace, compromise does not lead to respect, and attempts to trade the interests of others for tariff exemptions are doomed to fail and will ultimately harm all parties involved," the spokesperson emphasized.

The Chinese government expressed respect for those nations that seek to resolve trade disputes with the United States through dialogue based on equality and mutual respect. However, it called on the international community to resist pressure, uphold multilateral trade principles, and reject economic bullying.

"China respects all parties that seek to resolve their trade disputes with the United States through equal consultation," the spokesperson said. "All parties [should] stand on the side of fairness and justice, align with the right side of history, and uphold international economic and trade rules and the multilateral trading system."

In a broader warning about the dangers of protectionist policies, the spokesperson cautioned against a return to a global trade environment dominated by power politics.

"In the face of unilateralism and protectionism, no country can remain unaffected," the statement declared. "Once international trade reverts to the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will suffer."

China reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with other nations to counter unilateralism, defend common interests, and preserve the international economic order.

"China is ready to work with all parties to strengthen solidarity and coordination, jointly oppose unilateral bullying, safeguard respective legitimate rights and interests, and uphold international fairness and justice," the spokesperson concluded.

By Vafa Guliyeva