China Warns Countries Against Exclusionary Trade Deals with the United States

Shipping containers at China's Qingdao Port. Photo by CFOTO / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP

China issued a warning to countries against making deals with the United States to isolate China. A statement from the Commerce Ministry said: “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests […] 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.”

The statement comes as the Trump administration reportedly wants to link relief from its tariff regime to countries limiting their trade with China. U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is currently in India on a state visit. A bilateral trade deal to avoid tariffs is reportedly on the agenda. Several other countries are in talks with the U.S. about trade. However, failed initial talks with Japan showed that reaching a deal may be a challenge.

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