SAEDNEWS: China condemned Washington’s latest tariff threats as aggressive economic bullying, vowing decisive countermeasures against any country that aids the United States in targeting Chinese supply chains.
According to Saednews, China issued a stark warning to the Trump administration on Tuesday, cautioning against reigniting trade tensions by reimposing punitive tariffs on Chinese goods next month.
Beijing signaled it would retaliate not only against the United States but also against regional states aligning with Washington to marginalize China in global supply networks.
Washington and Beijing previously reached a tentative trade framework in June, which restored a fragile ceasefire in their protracted tariff confrontation.
However, uncertainties remain as President Donald Trump on Monday began formally notifying trade partners of sharply increased tariffs effective August 1.
Trump had delayed most of his earlier tariffs in April to give countries time to negotiate with the United States, which has weaponized its economic power to pressure trading partners.
China, targeted with tariff rates exceeding 100%, faces an August 12 deadline to secure an agreement that could suspend new import restrictions imposed during previous rounds of escalation.
“One conclusion is abundantly clear: dialogue and cooperation are the only correct path,” declared the official People’s Daily in a commentary under the byline “Zhong Sheng,” which signals the Chinese government’s official position.
Reaffirming China’s view that Washington’s measures amount to blatant “bullying,” the commentary stated, “Practice has proven that only by firmly upholding principled positions can one truly safeguard one’s legitimate rights and interests.”
The paper underscored that the latest threats could spark a renewed tariff war if Trump insists on what it called “a so-called ‘final deadline.’”
According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the average US tariff on Chinese exports now stands at 51.1%, while Chinese duties on American goods average 32.6%.
The commentary also criticized neighboring economies that have signed deals with the United States to reduce tariffs in exchange for undermining China’s trade.
Vietnam, for example, recently reached an agreement lowering tariffs to 20% from 46% on goods transshipped through its territory, while levying a 40% duty on Chinese-origin products.
“China firmly opposes any side striking a deal that sacrifices Chinese interests in exchange for tariff concessions,” the People’s Daily declared.
“If such a situation arises, China will not accept it and will respond resolutely to protect its legitimate interests.”
