China’s Foreign Ministry has once again warned that a tariff war or trade war serves no one’s interests, urging the United States to abandon its policy of escalating threats and return to consultation based on equality and mutual respect.
The reiteration came during a regular press briefing as tensions between the world’s two largest economies remain high following recent threats of increased US tariffs and new restrictions.
Headline Points
- – Core Message: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the trade war approach “does not serve any country’s interests,” emphasizing the need for a solution based on “equality, respect, and mutual benefits.”
- – Context: The statement was a direct response to renewed economic pressure from the US, which has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on Chinese goods and potential export controls on critical software and even commercial airplane parts.
- – Opposing Unilateralism: China maintained that its position on handling trade issues is consistent and that willful threats of high tariffs and new restrictive measures are not the right way to engage in bilateral relations.
- – Call for Dialogue: Beijing urged Washington to correct its “wrong practices” and resolve outstanding economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation, not confrontation.
China Defends Its Consistent Stance
During a media briefing, Spokesperson Guo Jiakun articulated China’s clear and consistent position on the protracted trade dispute with the US.
The statement underscored Beijing’s concern over Washington’s recent actions, which risk reigniting a full-blown trade war and destabilizing global supply chains.
The recent flurry of threats from the US administration, including the proposal for new, steep tariffs on Chinese imports, has amplified global market anxiety.
In response, China has accused the US of pursuing a contradictory strategy, attempting to seek dialogue while simultaneously threatening economic punishment.
“In handling economic and trade issues with the US, China’s position is very clear and consistent,” Guo stated. “Trade war and tariff war do not serve any country’s interests.” He insisted that both sides must engage through consultation to find a resolution that respects the concerns and interests of both parties.
The Looming Threat of Escalation
The spokesperson also touched upon China’s own defensive measures, such as the recent tightening of export controls on rare earth materials, which are vital for global high-tech industries and military components.
Beijing defends these measures as a lawful step to safeguard national security and fulfill international non-proliferation obligations, pushing back against US accusations of economic coercion.
The back-and-forth threats underscore the deep-seated structural and technological competition between the two economic powers.
While China continues to advocate for a principled, rules-based approach to resolve their differences, it has also repeatedly warned that it will “resolutely take corresponding measures” to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests should the US “obstinately insist” on its current path of escalating tariffs.
The global economy watches closely, hoping that dialogue will prevail over duties.
