TAIPEI, TAIWAN — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi publicly criticized the United States on Friday for its imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports, asserting that Beijing will "resolutely retaliate" if Washington heightens its pressure on China.
During a press conference with both local and foreign media at China’s annual parliamentary meeting, Wang raised doubts about the efficacy of U.S. tariffs against China. He urged Washington to steer clear of conflicts and confrontations.
"The U.S. should reflect on what benefits they have derived from the trade and tariff wars they have initiated over the years," Wang stated, emphasizing that the economic relationship between the two nations should be "mutual and reciprocal."
"No nation can expect to foster good relations with China while simultaneously trying to suppress and contain it," he remarked, labeling such tactics a "two-faced approach" that threatens the stability of bilateral relations and erodes trust.
Wang’s comments came just days after the U.S. enforced an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, raising the cumulative tariff on Chinese goods to 20%. In retaliation, Beijing responded with tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on various American agricultural products.
The U.S. Treasury, following a conversation on February 28 with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, noted that Secretary Scott Bessent expressed serious concerns regarding China’s counternarcotics initiatives, economic disparities, and inequitable policies. The Treasury highlighted the Administration’s commitment to implementing trade and economic policies that safeguard the American economy, workers, and national security.
Despite his criticisms of U.S. tariffs, Wang asserted that Beijing remains committed to fostering "stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations" founded on "mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation."
"I hope that the United States will heed the voices of our two peoples, acknowledge the historical development trends, and view China’s progress objectively and rationally, engaging with China in an active and pragmatic manner," he conveyed to the gathered journalists.
In addition to discussing bilateral U.S.-China relations, Wang also condemned Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy. He claimed that the approach, which involves deploying mid-range missile capabilities to nations like the Philippines, has only "stirred up trouble and created divisions" in the region.
"Asia should not serve as a battleground for major power competition, but rather as a platform for international cooperation," he asserted, adding that China promotes open regionalism and seeks to share development opportunities in Asia grounded in mutual respect and benefits.
Analysts interpret Wang’s remarks as an indication that China is aiming to manage its relationship with the U.S. in a "firm yet composed manner." "China is signaling to the Trump administration that its current approach is misguided, yet it appears hesitant to propose any alternatives, possibly to prevent escalating tensions in bilateral relations," remarked Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.
As a proponent of the "status-quo" power, Wang reiterated China’s commitment to multilateralism and opposition to "unilateralism" and "hegemony," implicitly criticizing the U.S. for its decision to freeze foreign aid and withdraw from several international organizations.
"We will defend the multilateral free trade system, create an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for international cooperation, and promote inclusive economic globalization," he stated during the news conference.
When questioned about the current role of the United Nations, Wang expressed China’s opposition to a few countries monopolizing international affairs and emphasized the need for the voices of nations in the Global South—including developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia—to be "amplified."
"As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China recognizes its international responsibilities and will steadfastly uphold the centrality of the United Nations, serving as a pillar of the multilateral system and a voice of justice for the Global South," he added.
Some experts believe Wang’s statements are part of China’s efforts to project itself as a "steady" and "pro-status quo" force amid significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy. "Beijing aims to reassure other nations that it is a safer option, especially when the Trump administration is pursuing a more adversarial trade policy against both allies and rivals. Wang is signaling that China remains open for business," commented Wen-ti Sung, a Taipei-based political scientist at the Australian National University.
Despite Wang’s pronouncements, Chong noted that China has yet to outline specific plans to fulfill its commitments to uphold the multilateral world system and support for developing countries. "China has been advocating for a multipolar world order for decades, yet concrete proposals from Beijing are still absent," he remarked.
As the U.S. seeks to enhance its engagement with Russia and facilitate a potential peace agreement regarding the war in Ukraine, Wang stated that a "mature, resilient, and stable" relationship between Beijing and Moscow will not be disrupted by any external influences.
"Regardless of shifts in the international landscape, the historical dynamics of Sino-Russian friendship remain intact, and its inherent momentum will not wane," he expressed, adding that China and Russia will continue to "uphold the international system centered on the U.N. and advance the development of a more just and rational international order."
Chong observed that Wang’s comments convey a sense of caution from Beijing regarding recent interactions between Russia and the U.S. "China recognizes that if the Americans and Russians reach some form of agreement, the U.S. can concentrate more on competing with China in the Pacific, leading to increased pressure on Beijing," he stated.
Additionally, Wang reiterated China’s stance on Taiwan, asserting, "Promoting Taiwan independence equates to secession, supporting Taiwan independence is tantamount to interfering in China’s internal affairs, and tolerating Taiwan independence destabilizes the Taiwan Strait." He conveyed confidence that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait will "eventually reunite."
