The Chinese government has issued a formal statement opposing the United States’ persistent misuse of tariffs, pledging to protect its developmental interests amid escalating trade tensions. Released on Sunday, the document asserts that recent U.S. actions—imposing tariffs on trading partners, including China, under “various pretexts”—undermine the legitimate rights of nations, breach World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, destabilize the multilateral trading framework, and jeopardize global economic stability.
The statement condemns U.S. measures as violations of core economic principles and market norms, rejecting what it describes as a disregard for multilateral negotiation outcomes and the historical benefits the U.S. has derived from global trade. “Using tariffs as a tool for extreme pressure epitomizes unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion,” the declaration reads. It further accuses the U.S. of masking self-serving agendas under rhetoric of “reciprocity” and “fairness,” arguing that such policies prioritize “America First” ideologies at the expense of international cooperation.
“The U.S. is subverting the global economic order by placing its interests above collective well-being, sacrificing worldwide prosperity for hegemony,” the statement warns, predicting widespread global opposition. Emphasizing China’s resolve, it asserts, “Pressure and threats will not deter us. China does not provoke conflict but will steadfastly defend its sovereignty, security, and development rights.”
The document calls for mutually beneficial U.S.-China economic ties, urging Washington to align with global expectations and cease leveraging tariffs to suppress Chinese trade. “The U.S. must halt its assault on the legitimate development rights of the Chinese people,” it states.
Reaffirming China’s commitment to openness, the statement outlines plans to expand institutional reforms, enhance trade liberalization, and cultivate a world-class business environment. “As a major global economy and consumer market, China will continue high-level openness, sharing opportunities for mutual gain,” it declares.
Highlighting the indispensability of economic globalization, the text underscores the WTO’s role in fostering equitable growth. “Isolationism contradicts historical trends. True multilateralism demands collective action against protectionism,” it stresses, adding that development is a universal right, not a privilege.
The statement concludes with a call for unity: “Trade wars yield no victors. All nations must reject unilateralism, uphold the UN and WTO frameworks, and champion shared prosperity.” It asserts, “The international community must choose equity over hegemony, ensuring history sides with justice and fairness.”