In brief
Wang Yi's remarks highlight China's call for cooperative relations while criticizing U.S. blame for broader issues such as the fentanyl crisis.
China's chief diplomat, Wang Yi, asserted on Friday that the country is prepared to take strong countermeasures against the United States if it chooses to ramp up tariffs in the ongoing trade dispute. These comments came in the wake of President Trump's recent decision to suspend tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, a move that did not extend to Chinese imports. Speaking at a news conference during China's annual legislative meeting, Wang underscored Beijing's willingness to uphold its economic interests despite prevailing domestic challenges.“If you choose to cooperate, you will achieve mutual benefit and win-win results; if you blindly exert pressure, China will definitely, resolutely counter,” Wang stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration over confrontation. He criticized the U.S. for attributing its fentanyl crisis to external forces, arguing that Washington should instead seek internal solutions and refrain from imposing tariffs on nations like China. Wang further labeled the U.S. approach as ‘two-faced,’ suggesting that while the Trump administration makes overtures to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping, it simultaneously enacts trade restrictions that undermine bilateral relations. “No country can fantasize that it can suppress and contain China while at the same time develop good relations with China," Wang added, reinforcing that such duplicity is detrimental to mutual trust.The timing of Wang's comments is significant; they come as China faces a tough economic landscape marked by reduced foreign investment, a sluggish growth rate, and the aftereffects of its stringent COVID-19 policies. The Chinese government appears keen to restore investor confidence and is likely hoping that a strong stance against perceived American aggression will resonate favorably both domestically and internationally.
