|
Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea
have begun negotiations with Washington after President Donald
Trump announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s
trading partners on April 2. The import taxes were quickly
paused against most countries after markets panicked, but he
increased his already steep tariffs against China.
“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense
of China’s interests,” China's Commerce Ministry said in a
statement. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will
resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner. China is
determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and
interests.”
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month
the countries currently negotiating trade deals with the U.S.
should “approach China as a group” together with Washington.
The U.S. tariffs against other countries are economic bullying,
the ministry said in the statement attributed to an unnamed
spokesperson.
“Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot win
respect,” it added. “For one’s own temporary selfish interests,
sacrificing the interests of others in exchange for so-called
exemptions is like seeking the skin from a tiger. It will
ultimately only fail on both ends and harm others without
benefiting themselves.”
China said it’s open to talks with Washington but no meetings
have been announced.
Trump made China the target of his steepest tariffs, imposing
several rounds of tariffs totaling 145% duties on Chinese
imports. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs of 125% on U.S.
imports.
The tariffs have spooked exporters and stalled shipments, while
threatening to drag on the global economy.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
|
|
