Beijing has slammed the latest wave of tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, calling them a form of intimidation and economic coercion. Chinese officials have made it clear that China will not back down. Moreover, the country is calling on the rest of the world to do the same.
Speaking to the press, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian denounced Washington's blanket tariffs on global imports, calling them mockery and coercion. He labeled the measures "typical unilateralism and protectionism, and economic bullying" aimed solely at serving US interests. The Chinese diplomat urged other countries hit by similar restrictions to unite and resist what he described as unjustified American trade aggression.
According to Lin, such abuse of tariffs is an attempt to deprive other nations, especially those in the Global South, of their right to development. Analysts warn that the widening gap between rich and poor nations could deepen further if the trend continues. Against this backdrop, Beijing is calling for a collective defense of the international trading system grounded in the frameworks of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. Countries should consult, cooperate, and share experiences, Lin said, urging global coordination in response to Washington's aggressive actions.
Last week, Trump announced a 34% tariff on Chinese imports. Just one day later, Beijing fired back with reciprocal measures, signaling it has no intention of compromising or reopening negotiations. China's swift response rattled global investors, reigniting fears of a broader economic downturn. Global equity markets tumbled in the aftermath. As of now, it remains unclear whether either side is willing to de-escalate.
