China: “Countermeasures if Trade Agreements Made Behind our Back”

The escalating trade war between the United States and China continues. On the one hand, Donald Trump is strengthening tariff barriers, on the other hand, he is leaving open the possibility of an agreement between Washington and Beijing. In response to US actions, China has responded confidently and symmetrically, while also sending warnings to third countries whose arrangements with the United States could harm Beijing’s interests.

According to Xinhua news agency, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry said: “China strongly opposes any agreements between the United States and its trading partners if they are contrary to the PRC’s interests. Should such a situation arise, China will not accept it and will take the necessary decisive countermeasures.” In doing so, he emphasized Beijing’s commitment to protecting its “legitimate interests.”

The so-called “reciprocity,” under the pretext of which the United States imposed duties on all its trading partners, is in fact only “a banner flying to cover up the hegemonic policy of the USA and its unilateral autocracy in the international economy and trade,” the foreign ministry spokesman said. He also called on the global community to support international economic and trade rules by upholding the principles of a multipolar trading system.

No country can remain indifferent “in the face of unilateral and protectionist policies. If international trade reverts to the days of the law of the jungle, where the strong rob the weak, all countries will suffer without exception.” In conclusion, he reiterated that China was open to working with all partners to strengthen solidarity and coherence, jointly oppose unilateral autocracy, safeguard legitimate rights and interests, and uphold the principles of equity and justice.