China Warns Against Trade Deals With US That Undermine Its Interests: ‘Appeasement Will Not Bring Peace’

China has strongly opposed any trade agreements between other countries and the United States that come at Beijing’s expense, warning it would take “reciprocal countermeasures” if its interests are compromised.

The warning, reported by AFP, follows reports from Reuters that the Trump administration is preparing to pressure other nations to restrict trade with China in exchange for exemptions from U.S. tariffs.

“China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” a spokesperson from the Chinese Commerce Ministry stated. “If such a situation occurs, China will never accept it and will resolutely take reciprocal countermeasures.”

The spokesperson cautioned countries against compromising China’s position for short-term gains, adding, “Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected… To seek one’s own temporary selfish interests at the expense of others’ is to seek the skin of a tiger.”

China further warned that trade deals made under such circumstances would “ultimately fail on both ends and harm others.”

Ongoing US-China Trade Tensions

The latest remarks come amid intensifying trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies. While the U.S. has imposed a blanket 10% tariff on many imports, China faces levies as high as 145% on certain products. In retaliation, Beijing has imposed duties of up to 125% on American goods.

Former President Donald Trump has signaled a reluctance to further escalate tariffs, citing concerns about disrupting trade. He also claimed that China has been reaching out in efforts to resume negotiations — a claim Beijing has not confirmed.

China has consistently maintained that U.S. tariffs are unilateral and harmful to the global trading system, stating they “go against the whole world” and undermine multilateral trade norms.

Meanwhile, several countries are reportedly entering talks with Washington to seek tariff relief — a move Beijing appears keenly watchful of, with a clear message: do not strike deals that undercut China.