China has warned other countries strongly, urging them not to strike broader trade agreements with the United States if it comes at China’s expense. This statement comes as tensions escalate in the ongoing tariff war between the two largest global economies. Reports suggest that the Trump administration is pressuring nations seeking trade talks with the U.S. to reduce their trade with China. While President Trump has imposed a general 10 per cent tariff on many countries, Chinese goods are being hit with tariffs as high as 145 per cent. In retaliation, China has placed duties of up to 125 per cent on U.S. products. The Trump administration claims several countries are discussing with the U.S. to reduce tariffs. However, on Monday, China’s Commerce Ministry stated that it strongly opposes any economic agreements that would harm China’s interests.

A spokesperson from Beijing’s commerce ministry stated, “Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected.” Beijing also warned against pursuing selfish short-term goals at the cost of others, saying, “To seek one's own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others' interests is to seek the skin of a tiger.” They cautioned that this strategy “will ultimately fail on both ends and harm others.” The spokesperson emphasised, “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China's interests.” They further stated, “If such a situation occurs, China will never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures.”

Beijing also criticised the U.S. for “abusing” tariffs on all its trade associates under the “banner of so-called 'equivalence', while pushing all parties to initiate so-called 'reciprocal tariffs' negotiations with them.” China has stated that it is fully committed and capable of defending its rights and interests, and is open to working more closely with other countries.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump's aggressive tariff measures have led to both the U.S. and China slapping heavy duties on each other’s imports, escalating tensions between the two major economies. This ongoing trade dispute has raised concerns of a global recession and caused major disruptions in financial markets. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the Trump administration plans to pressure countries seeking tariff relief from the U.S. to reduce their trade with China, even considering financial penalties.

Despite the tensions, Trump has said that discussions with China are ongoing and expressed confidence that the two nations can eventually reach an agreement to resolve the trade conflict. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump said, "Yeah, we're talking to China...I would say they have reached out a number of times," adding that he believes "we're going to make a very good deal with China."

On the other hand, China has pledged to continue the trade war "to the end" and hasn’t confirmed being in direct talks with Washington, although it has expressed support for dialogue. China has criticised what it describes as U.S. "unilateralism and protectionism" and warned that the global order could collapse into the "law of the jungle." “Where the strong prey on the weak, all countries will become victims,” Beijing stated Monday.