China Warns Countries Against Appeasing the US in Ongoing Global Trade Talks

Tensions between the United States and China have escalated once again as Beijing issued a stark warning to other countries against "appeasing" the United States in trade negotiations. The warning comes amid renewed efforts by the Trump administration to pressure global trading partners into aligning against China in exchange for exemptions from newly-imposed tariffs.

In a statement released this week, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce denounced reports that the US intends to use tariff negotiations as a bargaining chip to isolate China from global trade. “Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot earn one respect,” the spokesperson declared, adding that “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests. If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures.”

The comments reflect growing concern in Beijing that the Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies are not only designed to target Chinese exports but also to reshape global trade alliances. Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods—some reaching as high as 145%—and extended levies to numerous other countries under the pretext of boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing reliance on imports.

As a result, the US has entered into trade discussions with over 70 countries. Japan recently began negotiations, with its chief trade envoy Ryosei Akazawa meeting President Trump in Washington last week. South Korea is expected to follow suit, initiating its own trade talks within days. India, meanwhile, faces the threat of a staggering 26% tariff on its exports to the US unless it strikes a favorable deal. US Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation.

The Chinese warning builds on an earlier editorial in the state-run China Daily, which cautioned the European Union against being drawn into what it called the US’s divisive trade agenda. The editorial emphasized that nations should act independently and not allow themselves to be instruments in Washington’s strategic containment of China.

While the Trump administration has argued that these tariffs are essential to revitalize American manufacturing, critics say the policy could backfire. They argue that relocating global supply chains back to the US is a complex process that could take years, if not decades, to achieve. In the short term, it risks disrupting global markets, inflating consumer prices, and damaging relationships with key allies.

Furthermore, the administration’s messaging on tariffs has often been inconsistent. Earlier this month, the White House announced that tariffs on numerous trading partners would take effect immediately, only to later pause the measures for 90 days—excluding China. This move was seen as a tactical retreat amid growing backlash from both international leaders and the financial markets.

Despite these temporary concessions, the overarching strategy remains unchanged: use economic pressure to isolate China. According to analysts, the US is offering tariff exemptions to countries willing to limit or restrict trade with Beijing. These backdoor negotiations have raised ethical and diplomatic concerns, with China viewing the tactic as both coercive and damaging to global trade norms.

Jesper Koll, an economist with Japan-based Monex Group, highlighted the difficulty many countries face in navigating these geopolitical tensions. “About 20% of Japan’s profitability comes from the United States, and about 15% comes from the People’s Republic of China,” he explained. “Certainly, Japan doesn’t want to be forced to choose between America and China.”

The economic fallout from the growing US-China trade war is already being felt. China has responded with its own tariffs, imposing duties of up to 125% on US goods and warning of a prolonged economic confrontation. Earlier this month, global stock markets experienced a significant drop as investors reacted to the deepening conflict between the world’s two largest economies.

While President Trump insists that these tariffs will stimulate domestic production and encourage consumers to “buy American,” businesses on both sides of the Pacific are warning of increased costs and supply chain chaos. Smaller manufacturers, particularly in China, have reported widespread disruptions, with some struggling to maintain operations under the burden of increased taxes.

Ultimately, China's warning serves as a line in the sand. It signals that Beijing will not quietly accept being marginalized in the global trade arena, and it is prepared to retaliate against any moves it perceives as undermining its sovereignty or economic standing.

As countries weigh their options, many find themselves walking a diplomatic tightrope—eager to maintain favorable trade terms with the US while preserving essential ties with China. How they choose to navigate this high-stakes game of economic diplomacy will likely shape the future of global trade for years to come.

Reference From: www.bbc.com