Source: AP
Date: 21st April 2025

China warned other countries against making trade deals with the United States to China’s detriment.

Governments, including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, have begun negotiations with Washington after the U.S. President announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s trading partners on April 2. The import taxes were quickly paused against most countries after markets panicked, but the U.S. President increased his already steep tariffs against China.

“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely reciprocally take countermeasures. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its rights and interests.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary said earlier this month the countries currently negotiating trade deals with the U.S. should “approach China as a group” together with Washington.

China said it’s open to talks with Washington, but no meetings have been announced.

The U.S. President made China the target of his steepest tariffs, imposing several rounds of tariffs totaling 145% duties on Chinese imports. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs of 125% on U.S. imports.

The tariffs have spooked exporters and stalled shipments, while threatening to drag on the global economy.