TAIPEI, TAIWAN — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has strongly criticized the United States for imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and has vowed to “resolutely retaliate” if Washington continues to increase pressure on Beijing.
Speaking at the annual meeting of China’s parliament on Friday, Wang questioned the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s tariffs against China and called on Washington to avoid conflicts and confrontation.
“The U.S. should reflect on what they have gained from all the trade wars and tariff wars that they have initiated over the years,” Wang said, adding that the economic and trade relationship between the two countries should be “mutual and reciprocal.”
He emphasized that no country can expect to have good relations with China while suppressing and containing it, calling such behavior a “two-faced approach” that will harm the stability of bilateral relations and hinder efforts to build trust.
Wang’s remarks come just three days after the U.S. imposed an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, bringing the total amount of tariffs on Chinese products to 20%. In response, Beijing has imposed tariffs of between 10% to 15% on a wide range of American agricultural products.
According to a statement by the U.S. Treasury, Secretary Scott Bessent expressed serious concerns about China’s counternarcotics efforts, economic imbalances, and unfair policies during a Feb. 28 telephone conversation with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The statement also emphasized the administration’s commitment to pursuing trade and economic policies that protect the American economy, workers, and national security.
Despite his criticism of the U.S. tariffs against China, Wang reiterated Beijing’s commitment to maintaining a “stable, healthy, and sustainable development” of China-U.S. relations based on “mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation.”
“I hope that the United States will listen to the voices of the two peoples, recognize the general trend of historical development, and look at China’s development objectively and rationally. I also hope that they will actively and pragmatically engage in exchanges with China,” Wang told a roomful of journalists.
In addition to bilateral relations with the U.S., Wang also criticized Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which includes deploying mid-range capability missiles to countries like the Philippines. He stated that this plan has only “stirred up trouble and created differences” in the region.
“Instead of being the battleground of big power competition, Asia should be a place to showcase international cooperation,” he said, adding that China advocates for open regionalism and sharing development opportunities in Asia based on mutual respect and benefit.
Analysts believe that Wang’s remarks suggest that China is seeking to handle its relations with the U.S. in a “firm yet not overly excited way.”
“China is telling the Trump administration that their actions are wrong, but they are not putting forth any proposals, which may be their way of avoiding escalation in bilateral relations,” said Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.
In addition to weighing in on bilateral relations with Washington, Wang also reiterated China’s support for multilateralism and opposition to “unilateralism” and “hegemony,” criticizing the U.S. decision to freeze foreign aid and withdraw from some international organizations.
“We will safeguard the multilateral free trade system, create an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for international cooperation, and promote inclusive economic globalization,” he said during the news conference.
When asked about the current role of the United Nations, Wang stated that China opposes the monopolization of international affairs by a few countries and hopes that the voices of countries in the Global South, which include developing nations in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, can be “heard more often.”
“As a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, China is aware of its international responsibility and will firmly uphold the centrality of the United Nations, serve as the mainstay of the multilateral system, and be the voice of justice for the Global South,” he added.
Some experts believe that Wang’s comments are part of Beijing’s efforts to present itself as a “steady” and “pro-status quo” power, especially as the U.S. is dramatically changing its foreign policy approach.
“Beijing wants to reassure other countries that China is the safer pair of hands, especially at a time when the Trump administration is pursuing a more zero-sum-oriented trade war against friends and foes alike. Wang is trying to signal that China
