Beijing has escalated its rhetoric in its ongoing trade war with Washington, accusing the U.S. of “abusing tariffs” and warning countries against striking broader economic deals with the U.S. that would disadvantage China. The move comes as the Trump administration continues to pursue protectionist trade policies.

According to the Chinese commerce ministry, Beijing “will firmly oppose any party striking a deal at china’s expense and ‘will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner’.” The ministry’s statement followed a report alleging that the Trump administration is considering pressuring countries seeking tariff reductions or exemptions from the U.S. to limit trade with China, possibly through monetary sanctions.

While President Donald Trump paused sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries on April 2, China remains the primary target of increased levies. Washington has raised tariffs on chinese imports to 145%, prompting retaliatory duties of 125% on U.S. goods by Beijing. China indicated last week that its across-the-board rates would not rise further.

“The US has abused tariffs on all trading partners under the banner of so-called ‘equivalence’, while also forcing all parties to start so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’ negotiations with them,” a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said.

China Seeks Support, Accuses U.S. of Bullying

china maintains it is “determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests, and is willing to strengthen solidarity with all parties.”

In a move to garner international support, Beijing will convene an informal UN Security Council meeting this week to accuse Washington of bullying and “casting a shadow over the global efforts for peace and development” by weaponizing tariffs. U.S.trade representative Jamieson Greer stated earlier this month that nearly 50 countries have approached him to discuss the steep additional tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.

Nations Caught in the Middle

Several bilateral trade discussions have taken place as the U.S. imposed tariffs. Japan is reportedly considering increasing soybean and rice imports as part of its trade talks with the U.S., while Indonesia plans to increase U.S. food and commodity imports while reducing orders from other nations,according to recent reports.

“The fact is, nobody wants to pick a side,” said Bo Zhengyuan, partner at China-based policy consultancy Plenum. “If countries have high reliance on China in terms of investment, industrial infrastructure, technology know-how and consumption, I don’t think they’ll be buying into US demands. Many Southeast Asian countries belong to this category.”

President Xi Jinping visited three Southeast Asian countries last week in an effort to strengthen regional ties, urging trade partners to oppose what he termed “unilateral bullying.” Beijing has said it is “tearing down walls” and expanding its circle of trading partners amid the trade row.

Economic Impacts and Market Reactions

The Trump administration’s tariff policies have rattled financial markets, with investors fearing a severe disruption in world trade that could trigger a global recession. While chinese stocks showed little immediate reaction to the commerce ministry’s comments on monday, investors remain generally cautious about Chinese assets due to increasing growth risks.

concerns extend beyond tariffs. The Trump administration has also been working to restrict Beijing’s progress in developing advanced semiconductor chips, citing potential military applications. Last week, port fees were imposed on China-built vessels to limit China’s dominance in shipbuilding.

AI chip giant Nvidia recently announced it would take $5.5 billion in charges due to the administration’s curbs on AI chip exports. This highlights the tangible impact of the trade war on American companies.

ASEAN’s Position

The stakes are particularly high for Southeast asian nations caught between the U.S. and China, especially given the ASEAN bloc’s substantial two-way trade with both countries. ASEAN is China’s largest trading partner, with total trade value reaching $234 billion in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for over 16% of China’s overall foreign trade, according to china’s customs agency.

Trade between ASEAN and the U.S. totaled approximately $476.8 billion in 2024,according to U.S. figures, making Washington the regional bloc’s fourth-largest trading partner.

Counterargument: A Necessary Evil?

While many criticize the trade war’s negative impacts, some argue that it is a necessary measure to address China’s unfair trade practices, intellectual property theft, and state-sponsored industrial policies. Proponents of the tariffs suggest they provide leverage for the U.S.to negotiate more favorable trade terms and protect American businesses.However, even proponents acknowledge that the short-term economic pain is meaningful, and the long-term benefits remain uncertain.

Expert Perspectives

Economists at the U.S. chamber of Commerce have warned that the continued trade tensions could led to significant disruptions in global supply chains, increased costs for American consumers, and reduced competitiveness for U.S. exporters. They advocate for a more collaborative approach to addressing trade imbalances and resolving disputes through the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“The current trajectory is unsustainable,” said Myron Brilliant, executive vice president and head of international affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in a recent statement. “We need a thorough strategy that addresses China’s unfair trade practices while minimizing the damage to American businesses and consumers.”

FAQ: Trade War with China

What is the main issue in the trade war between the U.S. and China?

The core issue revolves around trade imbalances, tariffs, intellectual property theft, and China’s state-sponsored industrial policies.

What are the potential impacts of the trade war on the U.S. economy?

Potential impacts include higher prices for consumers, increased costs for businesses, and disruptions to global supply chains.

How are other countries affected by the U.S.-china trade war?

Many countries, particularly those in Southeast Asia, are caught in the middle and face tough choices regarding trade relationships with both the U.S. and China.

What countermeasures can countries take against U.S. tariffs?

countries can impose retaliatory tariffs, seek alternative trade partners, and challenge the U.S. actions through the World Trade Organization (WTO).

What is the current status of trade negotiations between the U.S. and China?

Trade negotiations are ongoing, characterized by periods of progress and setbacks, with no definitive resolution in sight.