During a press conference on Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China would continue to respond to what he termed the United States’ “unjustified tariffs,” accusing Washington of repaying kindness with malice.
Wang indicated that China’s assistance in helping the U.S. address its fentanyl problem had been met with tariffs, thereby exacerbating tensions between the two nations.
Wang asserted, “No country should imagine that it can both suppress China and maintain a positive relationship with it. Such duplicitous behavior is detrimental to bilateral relations and the development of mutual trust.”
This recent increase in strong rhetoric follows a statement made on Tuesday by a ministry spokesperson: “If the U.S. harbors ulterior motives and desires conflict, whether in the form of tariff, trade, or any other kind of war, we are prepared to fight to the very end.” This statement was reiterated by the on multiple social media platforms, prompting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to respond on Fox News on Wednesday: “We are ready. Those who seek peace must prepare for war.”
Since President Donald Trump’s return to office in January, the two countries have resumed implementing retaliatory tariffs. The U.S. has implemented a flat 20% tariff on all Chinese imports, while China has responded with additional 15% tariffs on U.S. imports, including chicken, pork, soy, and beef, as well as increased restrictions on business dealings with prominent U.S. companies.
Regarding the Trump administration’s policy of prioritizing U.S. interests over international cooperation, Wang warned that if every nation adopted such an approach, it would result in a “law of the jungle” scenario.
Wang elaborated, “Small and vulnerable countries would be the first to suffer, and the international order and regulations would face severe disruption. Major countries should fulfill their international obligations and refrain from exploiting and bullying weaker nations.”
Concerning the conflict in Ukraine, Wang reiterated China’s position of advocating for conflict resolution through political negotiation, adding that the conflict “could have been avoided” in hindsight.
He stated, “All parties should learn from this crisis. Among the important lessons is that security should be mutual and equal, and no country should base its security on the insecurity of another.”
Wang emphasized that despite recent discussions between the U.S. and Russia regarding ending the Ukraine war, the relationship between China and Russia remains strong. He mentioned that Beijing and Moscow are planning joint celebrations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
On the subject of Taiwan, the self-governed island that China claims as its own, Wang asserted that “Taiwan has never been a country and never will be.”
He added, “Advocating for Taiwan’s independence is an act of splitting the country, supporting it is interference in China’s internal affairs, and condoning it undermines stability in the Taiwan Strait.”
Wang warned that those who support Taiwan’s independence are “playing with fire and will ultimately be burned.”
When questioned about and relocating Palestinians to neighboring countries, Wang stated that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and any attempt to forcibly alter the territory’s status would incite further instability. He affirmed China’s support for the peace plan proposed by Egypt and other Arab nations, reiterating Beijing’s commitment to a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.
Wang concluded, “The Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to recur simply because the two-state solution remains incomplete. While the state of Israel has long been a reality, the state of Palestine is still far from being established.”
—Associated Press reporter Simina Mistreanu reported from Beijing. AP researcher Yu Bing and video producer Olivia Zhang contributed to this report.
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