In brief
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, declares Beijing will counter U.S. tariffs firmly, urging for cooperation over pressure.
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, issued a stern warning on Friday, stating that Beijing would retaliate vigorously if the United States escalated the ongoing trade war by imposing further tariffs. His comments surfaced shortly after President Trump announced the suspension of tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, while leaving tariffs on Chinese products intact. Mr. Wang stressed that cooperation would lead to mutual benefits, but pressure would elicit a steadfast response from China, aligning with their defended sovereignty and economic interests.During a news briefing at China’s annual legislative session, Mr. Wang criticized the United States for its approach, particularly regarding the fentanyl crisis. He urged U.S. officials to seek solutions domestically instead of scapegoating China. The diplomat's remarks highlight a perception of insincerity from the Trump administration, which seemingly oscillates between friendly overtures and punitive trade measures.Wang also cautioned that no nation could hope to suppress China while simultaneously fostering good relations, labeling the U.S. strategy as "two-faced." His statements aimed not only to project confidence in China’s future but also to attract foreign investment, which has dwindled due to economic downturns, pandemic responses, and stringent national security laws.
