TAIPEI, TAIWAN — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has strongly criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and has vowed to “resolutely retaliate” if Washington continues to increase pressure on Beijing.
During the annual meeting of China’s parliament on Friday, Wang spoke to local and foreign media outlets, questioning the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s tariffs against China and calling for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing trade dispute.
“The U.S. should reflect on what they have gained from all the trade wars and tariff wars that they have initiated over the years,” Wang stated. He emphasized the importance of a mutually beneficial and reciprocal economic and trade relationship between the two countries.
Wang also warned against a “two-faced approach” towards China, stating that it will only harm the stability of bilateral relations and hinder efforts to build trust.
His remarks come just three days after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, bringing the total amount of tariffs on Chinese products to 20%. In response, Beijing has retaliated by imposing tariffs of between 10% to 15% on a wide range of American agricultural products.
The U.S. Treasury Department also expressed concerns about China’s counternarcotics efforts, economic imbalances, and unfair policies in a statement following a telephone conversation between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on February 28.
Despite his criticism of the U.S. tariffs, Wang reiterated China’s commitment to maintaining a “stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations” based on “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”
He urged the U.S. to listen to the voices of the two peoples, recognize the general trend of historical development, and engage in exchanges with China in a pragmatic and constructive manner.
In addition to addressing bilateral relations with the U.S., Wang also criticized Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which includes deploying mid-range capability missiles to countries like the Philippines. He stated that this plan has only “stirred up trouble and created differences” in the region.
“Instead of being a battleground for big power competition, Asia should be a place to showcase international cooperation,” Wang said. He emphasized China’s support for open regionalism and sharing development opportunities in Asia based on mutual respect and benefit.
Experts believe that Wang’s remarks indicate China’s desire to handle relations with the U.S. in a firm yet calm manner.
“China is telling the Trump administration that their actions are wrong, but they are not putting forward any proposals, which may be their attempt to avoid further escalation in bilateral relations,” said Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.
In addition to addressing bilateral relations, Wang also reiterated China’s support for multilateralism and opposition to “unilateralism” and “hegemony.” He stated that China will safeguard the multilateral free trade system and promote inclusive economic globalization.
When asked about the role of the United Nations, Wang stated that China opposes the monopolization of international affairs by a few countries and hopes to hear the voices of countries in the Global South, which include developing nations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
“As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China is aware of its international responsibility and will firmly uphold the centrality of the United Nations, serve as the mainstay of the multilateral system, and be the voice of justice for the Global South,” Wang said.
Some experts believe that Wang’s comments are part of China’s efforts to present itself as a “steady” and “pro-status quo” power, especially as the U.S. is drastically changing its foreign policy approach.
“Beijing wants to reassure other countries that China is a safe and reliable partner. At a time when the Trump administration is pursuing a more zero-sum trade war against both friends and foes, Wang is signaling that China is open for business,” said Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist at the Australian National University.
However, some experts also note that China has yet to present concrete plans to fulfill its commitment to uphold the multilateral world system and support for developing countries.
“China has been advocating for a multipolar world order for decades, but they have not put forward any concrete proposals at this time,” said Chong.
Wang also addressed China’s relationship with Russia, stating that a “mature, resilient, and stable” relationship between
