In response to the possibility of the United States using tariffs to coerce countries into limiting their economic and trade dealings with China, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce warned that China firmly opposes any party reaching deals at the expense of Chinese interests.
The press release issued on the morning of the 21st stated, "If such a situation arises, China will not accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests."
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that the Trump administration plans to use ongoing tariff negotiations to pressure U.S. trade partners to restrict their trade with China.
The report states that the Trump administration's idea is to require U.S. trade partners to commit to isolating the Chinese economy in exchange for the White House reducing trade and tariff barriers. U.S. officials plan to negotiate with more than 70 countries, asking these countries to prevent China from transporting goods through their territories, stop Chinese companies from setting up locations within their borders to bypass U.S. tariffs, and not absorb cheap Chinese industrial products into their domestic economies.
The Wall Street Journal noted that these measures are aimed at weakening the already faltering Chinese economy and forcing Beijing into a disadvantageous position at the negotiating table ahead of potential talks between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Given the different levels of connection countries have with the Chinese economy, specific demands may vary greatly.
Regarding recent reports by multiple foreign media outlets, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stated that they have noted the related reports. The press release said, "Appeasement does not bring peace, and compromise does not earn respect. Seeking exemptions by sacrificing others' interests for personal or temporary gains is like negotiating with a tiger; it ultimately leads to both sides losing and is harmful without benefit."
The Ministry of Commerce emphasized that China respects parties resolving their economic and trade differences with the U.S. through equal consultations. China believes that all parties should stand on the side of fairness and justice regarding the "reciprocal tariffs" issue, stand on the right side of history, and defend international trade rules and the multilateral trading system.
The Ministry of Commerce also called on all countries to face the impact of unilateralism and protectionism as none can save themselves alone. Once international trade reverts to the "law of the jungle" where the weak are prey to the strong, all countries will become victims. China is willing to enhance solidarity and coordination with all parties, jointly responding, collectively resisting unilateral bullying acts, safeguarding their legitimate rights and interests, and defending international fairness and justice.