Beijing accused Washington of abusing tariffs and warned countries against striking a broader economic deal with the United States at its expense amid a growing trade war, according to Reuters.
China’s commerce ministry emphasised that the country would “take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner” against those who would sacrifice Beijing’s interests. A ministry spokesman said:
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.
China will also convene an informal UN Security Council meeting this week to accuse the US of intimidation and “casting a shadow over the global efforts for peace and development” by weaponising US tariffs.
Earlier this month, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said nearly 50 countries had approached him to discuss Trump’s high additional tariffs. Since then, several bilateral tariff talks have been held. Japan is considering increasing imports of soybeans and rice as part of its negotiations with the US, whereas Indonesia plans to increase imports of food and goods from the US and reduce orders from other countries.
The Trump administration is also struggling to limit China’s progress in developing advanced semiconductor chips. The US also imposed port fees on Chinese-built ships last week to curb Beijing’s dominance in shipbuilding.
AI chip giant Nvidia said last week it would need $5.5bn in charges because of the administration’s restrictions on AI chip exports.
