On the 21st of April, 2025, China issued a strong warning to countries about negotiating broader economic deals with the United States that would come at China’s expense, intensifying the rhetoric in the ongoing trade dispute between the two largest economies.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry emphasized that China values countries resolving economic and trade issues with the U.S. through fair negotiations. However, it firmly opposed any agreements made that would disadvantage China.
A ministry spokesperson stated that China would take retaliatory actions in a determined and reciprocal manner if any country attempted to make such deals.
The statement responded to reports that the Trump administration was planning to pressure nations to limit trade with China in exchange for tariff exemptions from the U.S.
The spokesperson criticized the U.S. for using tariffs on all its trading partners under the guise of “equivalence,” while also pressuring countries into so-called “reciprocal tariffs” discussions.
The ministry stressed that China is both capable and committed to protecting its rights and interests and is open to strengthening partnerships with other countries. Reports suggest the Trump administration is planning to push nations seeking tariff cuts or exemptions from the U.S. to reduce trade with China, including using monetary sanctions.
Earlier this month, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer revealed that nearly 50 countries had approached him to discuss the additional tariffs imposed by President Trump.
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Several bilateral tariff discussions have taken place, with Japan contemplating higher soybean and rice imports in its talks with the U.S., and Indonesia planning to increase food and commodity imports from the U.S. while cutting back on purchases from other countries.
Recall that on the 2nd of April , President Trump paused the historic tariffs he had announced on multiple countries, except for those targeting China, singling out the world’s second-largest economy for the most significant levies.
In response, President Xi Jinping visited three Southeast Asian nations last week to strengthen regional relations, urging trade partners to stand against unilateral coercion.
“There are no winners in trade wars and tariff wars,” Xi remarked.