China Warns Against Trade Deals at Its Expense, Vows “Resilient and Reciprocal” Countermeasures

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Beijing: China issued a stern warning on Monday, vowing to “firmly oppose” any country entering into trade agreements with the United States that would come at its expense. The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated that it would respond with “resolute and reciprocal” countermeasures if such deals were made. This statement follows growing concerns about the Trump administration’s efforts to encourage US allies to reduce economic engagement with China in exchange for tariff relief.

A spokesperson for MOFCOM asserted that China respects the right of all nations to address their economic and trade differences with the US through consultations conducted on an equal footing. However, Beijing emphasized that any agreement that undermines its interests would be categorically rejected, stating, “China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner.”

The statement comes amid reports suggesting that the Trump administration is pressuring its allies to isolate China economically as a condition for receiving tariff reductions. This strategy, which was described as an extension of “hegemonic politics and unilateral bullying,” has raised concerns that such short-term appeasement could harm all parties involved. “Pursuing so-called ‘exemptions’ by harming others’ interests is like making a pact with a tiger for its skin—it will ultimately leave all parties empty-handed,” the spokesperson added.

This latest development follows a report by The Wall Street Journal, which revealed that the US is attempting to extract commitments from its trading partners to limit their economic ties with China in exchange for tariff reductions. The Trump administration’s aggressive stance on trade has been escalating, with President Donald Trump announcing new tariffs on Chinese imports on April 15. These include a 125% reciprocal tariff, a 20% duty aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis, and a series of Section 301 tariffs on targeted Chinese goods ranging from 7.5% to 100%.

In response, China retaliated by imposing its own tariffs of up to 125% on US goods and filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), accusing the US of undermining the multilateral trading system. Beijing has consistently warned that the American measures go “against the whole world” and would severely damage the rules-based international trade order.

Despite the escalating tensions, President Trump stated that communication between Washington and Beijing remains ongoing. “Yeah, we’re talking to China,” Trump said last week, adding that Beijing has reached out several times.

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