#USChinaTensions

China vows retaliation against countries supporting US-led trade isolation

Beijing has vowed to retaliate if other countries strike trade deals with the United States at the expense of China’s interests, in response to news that the Trump administration is pressuring trading partners to isolate China in negotiations.

Beijing has warned of retaliatory measures against countries that reach trade agreements with the United States at the expense of China’s interests, as other nations are dragged into the trade war between the world’s two largest economies.

In its latest response to the steeply increased US tariffs, China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that Beijing “respects all parties' efforts to resolve their trade disputes with the US through equal consultation.” However, China will not accept any US-led trade deals that harm its interests and will “respond resolutely and reciprocally with countermeasures” to safeguard its rights and interests.