Michelle ThompsonChina has issued a warning to other nations not to give in to U.S. pressure during trade negotiations, particularly in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
A spokesperson from China’s Commerce Ministry made the statement following reports that Washington is pushing other governments to limit trade with China in return for exemptions from U.S. tariffs.
The Trump administration has launched talks with several trade partners—Japan sent a delegation to Washington last week, and South Korea is set to begin discussions shortly.
Since Trump’s return to office in January, the U.S. has introduced steep tariffs on Chinese goods, along with import taxes on products from other countries. A Commerce Ministry spokesperson said: “Appeasement won’t bring peace, and compromise won’t earn respect,” emphasizing that China will not tolerate deals that undermine its interests and will respond firmly if necessary.
These remarks align with a recent editorial in the state-run China Daily, which urged the European Union not to try to placate the U.S.
The warning follows claims that the U.S. aims to use tariff discussions to persuade dozens of countries to introduce new trade restrictions targeting China.
The BBC has reached out to the U.S. Treasury Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for comment.
President Trump claims more than 70 nations have contacted the U.S. to begin trade talks since his tariffs were introduced. According to Jesper Koll of Monex Group, about 20% of Japan’s profits come from the U.S., and 15% from China—making it clear Japan is reluctant to pick sides.
Last week, Japan began discussions with the U.S. when top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa met with President Trump in Washington. South Korea’s acting president Han Duck-soo confirmed that his country will begin trade talks with the U.S. this week.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance is also expected to visit India and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If India doesn’t strike a trade deal with the U.S., it could face a 26% tariff rate.
Since returning to office, Trump has made several tariff announcements, stating the goal is to boost domestic manufacturing, raise tax revenue, and attract investment. However, critics argue reshoring production is a long-term challenge and could hurt the economy in the short term.
Trump has also reversed some of his own policies. Shortly after tariffs on multiple U.S. trade partners took effect earlier this month, he paused them for 90 days for all countries except China, responding to growing political and market backlash.
Tariffs on Chinese goods now reach up to 145%, with other nations facing a blanket 10% tariff until July. The administration added that when combined with existing duties, some Chinese imports could face total levies as high as 245%.
In retaliation, China imposed a 125% tariff on U.S. goods and pledged to “fight to the end.”
This escalating trade conflict between the U.S. and China—the world’s largest economies—has already caused significant turbulence in global markets.
