China’s Ministry of Commerce warned on Monday, April 21, 2025, that it will retaliate against any country that makes trade deals with the United States at China’s expense.
The ministry said it “respects all parties to resolve their economic and trade differences with the United States through consultations on an equal footing,”. Moreover, China “firmly opposes any party striking a deal at the expense of China.”
It made clear that “China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner” if such arrangements proceed.
This warning comes after reports that the Trump administration is offering incentives to countries that curb imports from China.
China urged its trading partners to stand “on the side of fairness and justice on the issue of reciprocal tariffs,” signaling that they should uphold fair treatment instead of giving in to one-sided demands.
It said it was “willing to strengthen solidarity and coordination with all parties, join hands to deal with the situation, [and] jointly resist unilateral bullying.” This appeal highlights Beijing’s aim to build a coalition of like‑minded economies opposed to aggressive tariff moves.
The Commerce Ministry concluded by reaffirming China’s resolve. “China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests,” Ministry said.
China warns that agreeing to the US demand could backfire
A Commerce Ministry spokesperson said “Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected,”.
In recent weeks, Beijing imposed 125% levies on American imports in response to U.S. tariffs. It also restricted exports of critical minerals and placed several smaller U.S. companies on blacklists that limit their work with Chinese firms.
Analysts do not expect a trade deal soon. On Thursday, April 17, former President Donald Trump said he believed a deal could be struck in three to four weeks.
Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia on his first overseas trip of 2025. In official statements, Xi called for joint efforts to oppose tariffs and “unilateral bullying.”
Since U.S. tariffs began, China has boosted trade with Southeast Asia, which is now its largest regional partner. The United States remains China’s top single‑country partner.
Last week, China’s Ministry of Commerce named Li Chenggang, former ambassador to the World Trade Organization, as its top trade negotiator and vice minister. Separately, China has filed a lawsuit against the United States with the WTO over the latest round of tariffs.
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