China has warned other countries not to sign trade agreements with the US that would hurt China’s interests. That alarm comes amid rising trade-hostilities between the two global economic giants. At the same time, China is doubling down on its message that it will protect its own rights and interests.
According to a statement released by China's Commerce Ministry, the nation firmly opposes any agreement that compromises China's interests. Another unnamed spokesperson said that China is prepared to continue negotiations with Washington. At the same time, they issued an unmistakable signal that China is taking a hard line against any trade practices it deems unfair. So far, China has refused to schedule a meeting with Washington.
Today, the U.S. Commerce Ministry reaffirmed China’s position against the U.S. tariffs in unambiguous terms. They decried these tariffs then as an economic weapon and tool of coercion used against other nations. The U.S. has already raised steep tariffs on China, reaching as high as 145% duties on Chinese goods. Consequently, China was the majority target of these trade penalties. In retaliation, China has subjected U.S. exports to tariffs as high as 125%.
China’s Commerce Ministry has already warned that China is fully ready to respond in kind.
"Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot win respect," - an unnamed spokesperson
The spokesperson further said that these negotiations only succeed if all parties make concessions and China absolutely cannot accept an agreement harmful to its core interests.
"For one’s own temporary selfish interests, sacrificing the interests of others in exchange for so-called exemptions is like seeking the skin from a tiger. It will ultimately only fail on both ends and harm others without benefiting themselves." - an unnamed spokesperson
