China Warns Trade Partners: No Trade Deals With US That Hurt Us

China warned countries not to make trade deals with the United States that could harm China’s economy, a response to reports that the US is pressuring its trading partners to restrict commerce with Beijing in return for tariff exemptions, wrote the Wall Street Journal. 

“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement, warning that China will respond “resolutely” to such behavior and emphasizing the country’s strong capability to protect its own rights and interests. 

In early April, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs against almost all the US’ trading partners, before halting most tariffs for 90 days after global markets responded negatively. As a result, many nations are set to negotiate with the US, including Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, on trading terms, according to the Associated Press. 

China was the big exception – Trump raised tariffs to 145 percent after China raised duties on its US imports. 

To date, no negotiations have been set between the US and China. 

While the Trump administration reportedly asked countries to limit their trade with China and to take a unified approach toward the country, China has been making attempts to boost its trade relations with Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe. 

China’s Commerce Ministry also said that China is open to working together with other countries to face trade challenges and oppose “economic bullying.” 

“If international trade regresses to the law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will end up as victims,” the Ministry said.