“Chinese Foreign Minister Criticizes US Actions and Retaliatory Tariffs”
BEIJING (AP) — During a press conference on the sidelines of China’s annual parliamentary session, Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed China’s intention to continue responding to what he called the United States’ “arbitrary tariffs.” Wang accused Washington of responding to China’s efforts to assist in the U.S. fentanyl crisis with punitive measures, leading to strained bilateral relations.
Wang emphasized that no country should expect to suppress China while maintaining a positive relationship simultaneously. He criticized such contradictory actions as detrimental to bilateral stability and mutual trust. The ongoing retaliatory tariffs between the two countries intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office in January, with the U.S. imposing 20% flat tariffs on Chinese imports. In response, Beijing applied 15% additional duties on various U.S. imports such as chicken, pork, soy, and beef. China also imposed stricter controls on business dealings with key U.S. companies.
Regarding the Trump administration’s prioritization of U.S. interests over international cooperation, Wang warned that if every country adopted such an approach, it would lead to a chaotic “law of the jungle.” He cautioned that smaller and weaker nations would be the most affected, and the global order and norms would be severely disrupted. Wang urged major countries to uphold their international responsibilities, refrain from exploiting and oppressing weaker states, and work towards collective well-being.
