China is warning other countries against striking new trade deals with the U.S. that might come at the expense of Beijing's economic interests, as tensions resulting from President Trump’s tariff policies against the country rise.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Monday that it would retaliate against any party that reaches a deal that comes at the expense of Chinese interests, multiple media outlets reported.
China said it “will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner,” according to news agency Reuters.
The Chinese embassy to the U.S. did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Hill.
“The unilateral imposition of additional tariffs was entirely initiated by the U.S. side,” the Commerce Ministry said in a Friday social media post. “We urge the U.S. to immediately cease its maximum-pressure tactics.”
After pausing its April 2 “Liberation Day” tariffs on dozens of countries, the Trump administration left its Chinese tariffs in place. While it has announced some exemptions to those import taxes, such as those on electronics maker Apple, which has deeply integrated Chinese supply chains, the overall level remains at 145 percent.
Administration officials have said they’re fielding negotiations requests for updated trade deals with dozens of countries.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month that the administration is going to negotiate with as many as 70 countries following the announcement of U.S. “reciprocal” tariffs, which were initially left in place for only a day. Trump has put that number at more than 75.
“We can approach China as a group,” Bessent said.
China and the U.S. have dug their heels in on bilateral trade negotiations, with both parties refusing to come to the table.
In a series of moves, Trump increased tariffs on the country from 54 percent to 104 percent and finally to 145 percent.
“At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the U.S.A., and other countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable,” Trump said in an April 9 social media post.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it would stand its ground against U.S. tariffs “to the end.”
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