China has issued a stern warning to countries considering trade concessions with the United States, cautioning against what it calls “appeasement” amid an escalating global tariff standoff. The remarks come in the wake of President Donald Trump’s renewed push for protectionist trade measures targeting Chinese imports and pressuring allies to isolate Beijing economically.
A spokesperson from China’s Commerce Ministry criticized reports that the US was leveraging tariff exemptions to coerce nations into imposing trade restrictions on China. “Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot earn one respect,” the spokesperson asserted, promising firm countermeasures against any deal made at China’s expense.
The warning reflects growing unease in Beijing as more than 70 countries have reportedly initiated talks with Washington since Trump reinstated steep tariffs after returning to office in January. Japan has already begun discussions, with top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa visiting Washington last week. South Korea is expected to start negotiations imminently, and US Vice President JD Vance is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss a potential deal as India faces a looming 26% tariff.
Trump’s administration has imposed tariffs as high as 145% on Chinese goods, while maintaining a 10% blanket tariff on other countries until July. Some Chinese products may see total levies rise to 245% when combined with earlier duties. In retaliation, China has slapped a 125% tax on American products, signaling its readiness to “fight to the end.”
China’s concerns are echoed in state-run media, with the China Daily warning the European Union against capitulating to US demands. The broader strategy by Washington appears aimed at building a coalition to economically isolate China.
However, critics argue that Trump’s strategy may hurt the global economy and complicate supply chains. Analysts caution that reshoring manufacturing could take years and dampen economic growth in the short term.
Despite backlash, Trump has already delayed tariffs for 90 days for countries other than China, highlighting the political and market pressures at play. The growing standoff marks a significant escalation in US-China tensions with potential ripple effects across the global economy.
