China has criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and vowed to “resolutely retaliate” if Washington continues to increase pressure on Beijing.
Speaking to reporters during the annual meeting of China’s parliament, Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi questioned the effectiveness of the US government’s tariffs against China and called on Washington to avoid conflicts and confrontation.
He said that the US should think about what “they have gotten out of all the trade wars and tariff wars that they have initiated all these years,” adding that the economic and trade relationship between the two countries should be “mutual and reciprocal.”
He asserted that no country can “fantasize” about developing good relations with China while “suppressing and containing it.”
Wang called such behavior a “two-faced approach” that will be detrimental to the stability of bilateral relations and attempts to build trust.
Wang’s remarks come three days after the US imposed an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, bringing the total amount of tariff on Chinese products to 20%.
The additional tariff prompted Beijing to slap retaliatory tariffs of between 10% to 15% on a wide range of American agricultural products.
Despite his criticism of the US tariffs against China, Wang stressed that Beijing remains committed to maintain a “stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations” based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.
“I hope that the United States will listen to the voices of the two peoples, recognize the general trend of historical development, look at China’s development objectively and rationally, actively and pragmatically carry out exchanges with China.”
Wang Yi
In addition to bilateral relations with the US, Wang also criticized Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
He noted that the plan, which includes deploying mid-range capability missiles to countries like the Philippines, has only “stirred up trouble and create differences” in the region.
“Instead of being the battleground of big power competition, Asia should be the place to showcase international cooperation.”
Wang Yi
He added that China advocates for open regionalism and sharing development opportunities in Asia based on mutual respect and benefit.
Furthermore, Wang reiterated China’s support for multilateralism and opposition to “unilateralism” and “hegemony,” a vague criticism of the US decision to freeze foreign aid and pull out of some international organizations.
“We will safeguard the multilateral free trade system, create an open, inclusive and nondiscriminatory environment for international cooperation, and promote inclusive economic globalization.”
Wang Yi
Firm Handling Of Relations
Ian Chong, a Political Scientist at the National University of Singapore, opined that Wang’s remarks suggest China is seeking to handle relations with the US in a “firm yet not overly excited way.”
“China is telling the Trump administration that what they are doing is wrong, but they don’t seem to be putting proposals on the table, which may be their attempt to avoid escalation in bilateral relations.”
Ian Chong
Despite Wang’s statements, Chong said that China has yet to present concrete plans to fulfill their commitment to uphold the multilateral world system and support for developing countries.
Some experts claim that Wang’s comments are part of Beijing’s efforts to present itself as a “steady” and “pro-status quo” power as the United States is dramatically changing its foreign policy approach.
Wen-ti Sung, a Taipei-based Political Scientist for the Australian National University, told a news agency, “Beijing wants to reassure other countries that China is the safer pair of hands.” He added, “At a time when the Trump administration is pursuing a more zero sum-oriented trade war against friends and foes alike, Wang is trying to signal that China is open for business.”
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