China on Friday vowed to retaliate against the United States for its “arbitrary tariffs,” accusing Washington of unfairly penalizing Beijing despite China’s cooperation on key global issues. Speaking at a press conference Friday on the sidelines of China’s annual parliamentary session, foreign minister Wang Yi criticized the US for implementing punitive tariffs while benefiting from China’s assistance in tackling its fentanyl crisis.
Why it matters
The US recently imposed new tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico over accusations of fentanyl smuggling. Beijing, which has repeatedly asserted that it has taken substantial steps to curb the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals, views the latest tariffs as unjustified. The escalating trade measures mark a continuation of economic hostilities that have intensified since US President Donald Trump’s return to office.
What they are saying
- “No country should fantasize that it can suppress China and maintain a good relationship with China at the same time,” Wang said. “Such two-faced acts are not good for the stability of bilateral relations or for building mutual trust.”
- Wang also criticized Washington’s approach to international cooperation, warning that a self-serving strategy could lead to global instability. “Small and weak countries will get burnt first, and the international order and rules will be under severe shock,” he said.
Between the lines
The latest US tariffs, which increased duties on all Chinese imports to 20%, come amid continued friction between the two global superpowers. Beijing responded by imposing additional 15% duties on US imports, including agricultural products such as chicken, pork, soy, and beef, while also expanding restrictions on business transactions with key US firms.
Wang’s statements suggest that Beijing is keeping the door open for negotiations but will not tolerate continued economic pressure without countermeasures. Analysts believe China is pursuing a strategy of measured rhetoric, avoiding direct confrontation while emphasizing its position as a stabilizing force in global trade.
Zoom In: Ukraine, Russia, and global alliances
On the Ukraine conflict, Wang reiterated China’s position favoring a political solution, saying that the war “could have been avoided.”
“China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in the final resolution of the crisis and the realisation of lasting peace, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned, together with the international community,” Wang said.
He added, “All parties should learn something from the crisis. Among many other things, security should be mutual and equal, and no country should build its security on the insecurity of another.”
Despite diplomatic overtures from the US to Russia, Wang reaffirmed China’s strong ties with Moscow, emphasizing that China-Russia relations remain “a constant in a turbulent world, not a variable in geopolitical games.” Beijing and Moscow are set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II together this year, further cementing their alliance.
The big picture
Wang’s remarks also underscored China’s growing efforts to position itself as a leader in the Global South. He called for developing nations to “continue to improve our representation and discourse power in global governance.”
Major powers … should not be profit-driven, and they should not bully the weak.
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi
“If every country emphasizes its own national priorities and believes in strength and status, the world will regress to the law of the jungle, small and weak countries will bear the brunt,” said Wang in a veiled reference to the Trump admonition’s actions.
As the Trump administration shifts US foreign policy away from multilateral institutions and agreements, China is seeking to fill the resulting diplomatic vacuum. “If every country emphasizes its own national priorities and believes in strength and status, the world will regress to the law of the jungle,” Wang said.
What’s next
With no immediate signs of de-escalation in US-China trade tensions, both countries appear poised for a prolonged standoff. The absence of high-level talks suggests that further retaliatory measures could be on the horizon, adding more uncertainty to global markets. Meanwhile, Beijing’s emphasis on strengthening ties with Europe and the Global South may indicate a shift in its long-term strategy to counterbalance US influence on the world stage.
(With inputs from agencies)
