On Monday, China criticized the strategy of yielding to U.S. demands in trade negotiations, particularly those involving “reciprocal tariffs,” arguing that such concessions do not lead to lasting peace.
Beijing expressed strong opposition to any trade arrangements made between the U.S. and other countries that could undermine China’s national interests.
Chinese experts characterized Washington’s reported efforts as a form of economic dominance aimed at curbing China’s rise, though they also suggested that the U.S. is unlikely to gain widespread support for this strategy.
Responding to reports that the U.S. is allegedly urging other nations to limit their trade engagement with China in return for tariff relief, a representative from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated that the U.S. has recently imposed broad tariffs under the pretext of “reciprocity,” while simultaneously pressuring its allies into similar tariff negotiations.
MOFCOM stressed that China firmly rejects any bilateral agreements that would come at its expense. The spokesperson described the U.S. actions as a veiled attempt to use the notion of fairness as a justification for imposing unilateral and coercive trade measures.
“Giving in doesn’t lead to peace, and concessions don’t earn respect,” the spokesperson added. “Efforts to sacrifice another country’s interests in exchange for tariff advantages are bound to fail and ultimately damage all parties involved.”
According to an April 15 report by The Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials are pursuing commitments from trading partners to distance themselves from China’s economy in return for easing trade barriers. The BBC also noted on Monday that the Trump administration has initiated discussions with several countries on this issue, with a Japanese delegation having recently visited Washington and talks with South Korea scheduled to begin soon.
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