China Warns Nations Against Trade Deals Harmful to Its Interests
Beijing opposes countries striking deals with the US at China's expense, threatening reciprocal countermeasures and seeking solidarity with other nations
China has warned countries against reaching trade agreements with the US that could harm Beijing's interests, escalating tensions in the ongoing trade war.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that while it respects nations resolving their trade disputes with the US, it 'resolutely opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests'.
If such deals are made, China will 'never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures'.
The warning comes as countries prepare for talks with the US to seek reductions or exemptions from sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
In exchange, Washington is pushing them to curb trade with China and limit Beijing's manufacturing power.
The US is also discussing the imposition of 'secondary tariffs' on imports from countries with close ties to China.
Vietnam is preparing to crack down on Chinese shipments flowing across its borders to the US, while South Korea's top trade official will visit Washington for negotiations.
China has previously targeted countries whose cooperation with the US it saw as damaging, including suspending sales of package tours to South Korea and hindering operations of Korean companies in 2016. Beijing has also banned the sale of dual-use items to the American military and restricted exports of rare earth minerals critical to the communications and defense industries.
China's President Xi Jinping recently toured Southeast Asia to rally support against the risks resulting from Trump's tariffs, seeking to strengthen solidarity with other nations.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that while it respects nations resolving their trade disputes with the US, it 'resolutely opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests'.
If such deals are made, China will 'never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures'.
The warning comes as countries prepare for talks with the US to seek reductions or exemptions from sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
In exchange, Washington is pushing them to curb trade with China and limit Beijing's manufacturing power.
The US is also discussing the imposition of 'secondary tariffs' on imports from countries with close ties to China.
Vietnam is preparing to crack down on Chinese shipments flowing across its borders to the US, while South Korea's top trade official will visit Washington for negotiations.
China has previously targeted countries whose cooperation with the US it saw as damaging, including suspending sales of package tours to South Korea and hindering operations of Korean companies in 2016. Beijing has also banned the sale of dual-use items to the American military and restricted exports of rare earth minerals critical to the communications and defense industries.
China's President Xi Jinping recently toured Southeast Asia to rally support against the risks resulting from Trump's tariffs, seeking to strengthen solidarity with other nations.