China issued a stern warning on Monday to nations considering aligning with the United States in hopes of securing exemptions from President Trump’s tariffs, cautioning that Beijing would retaliate against any country that compromises China’s economic position.
In a sharply worded announcement, China’s Ministry of Commerce pledged to respond forcefully to any government that signs trade agreements with the US that would disadvantage China, signaling an escalation in the ongoing trade confrontation between the two global powers.
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” the Chinese government said in a statement.
“If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.”
The warning was issued following reports that the Trump administration may use tariff relief as leverage to persuade other nations to reduce economic ties with China, a tactic Beijing strongly condemned.
“Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot win respect,” China warned.
“For one’s own temporary selfish interests, sacrificing the interests of others in exchange for so-called exemptions is like seeking the skin from a tiger. It will ultimately only fail on both ends and harm others without benefiting themselves.”
The diplomatic clash intensified after Trump increased tariffs on Chinese goods to a steep 145%, prompting China to impose retaliatory tariffs of 125% on American exports.
“The United States has abused tariffs on all trading partners under the banner of so-called ‘equivalence,’ while also forcing all parties to start so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’ negotiations with them,” the Chinese ministry statement said.

{Matzav.com}