China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, has stated on Friday that China will “resolutely counter” United States pressure on tariffs and the fentanyl issue.
Speaking at a press conference during China’s annual parliamentary meeting, Wang stressed that major powers “should not bully the weak,” positioning China as a reliable global actor amid geopolitical tensions.
His remarks come as the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports this week, citing concerns over the flow of fentanyl into the country.
This move threatens to escalate trade tensions between the two economic giants. “If one side blindly exerts pressure, China will resolutely counter that,” Wang said, adding that the U.S. “should not repay kindness with grievances, let alone impose tariffs without reason.”
He pointed to the “various assistance” China has provided Washington in tackling fentanyl precursor drugs.
Wang also warned that no country can suppress China while simultaneously seeking positive relations. “Such a ‘two-faced’ approach is not helpful to stable ties,” he said when asked about China’s engagement strategy with the Trump administration over the next four years.
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According to Reuters, while he did not name Trump directly, his restrained tone suggested Beijing is keeping the door open for potential trade negotiations.
“They want to pursue any room for de-escalation with Trump when it comes to trade,” said Wen-Ti Sung, a Taiwan-based nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub. “One way of doing it is to keep the level of rhetorical intensity down to manageable size to preserve room for manoeuvre for both sides.”
On the Ukraine war, Wang reiterated China’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution, advocating for a “fair, lasting and binding peace agreement” acceptable to all parties.
“China is willing to continue to play a constructive role in the final resolution of the crisis and the realisation of lasting peace, in accordance with the wishes of the parties concerned, together with the international community,” he said.
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