China Vows Retaliation Against Nations That Side With U.S. Over Trade

Beijing has issued a sharp warning that it will retaliate against any country cooperating with the U.S. in ways that undermine Chinese interests, as tensions escalate in the ongoing U.S.-China trade war.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated:

“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests. If this happens, China will not accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures.”

1. U.S. Pushes Tariff Strategy, China Responds Forcefully

President Donald Trump has paused tariff hikes on several countries for 90 days, while raising duties on Chinese goods to 145%. In response, Beijing imposed 125% tariffs on American imports, restricted critical mineral exports, and blacklisted several U.S. companies.

China accused the U.S. of “unilateral bullying” and warned that international trade risks reverting to the “law of the jungle.”

2. Xi Jinping's Diplomacy Push in Southeast Asia

In his first overseas trip of 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, urging regional leaders to unite against protectionism and unilateralism. Chinese state media framed these visits as efforts to build alliances amid global trade uncertainty.

3. Outlook: No Trade Deal in Sight

Despite Trump's recent optimism about reaching a deal “within the next three to four weeks,” analysts believe that a breakthrough is unlikely in the near term.

Since the start of the trade war, China has shifted focus to Southeast Asia, now its largest trading partner on a regional basis, while the U.S. remains its top partner on a country-by-country level.

4. Call for Global Unity Against Trade Bullying

Justin Yifu Lin, dean at Peking University, emphasized the need for global cooperation to push back against U.S. trade pressure, telling reporters:

“Unreasonable and illogical policies can’t last that long.”

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