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Jakarta, VIVA – Tensions between the world’s two largest economies, the United States and China, are once again escalating.
This time, the friction is not just between the two nations—it is beginning to draw in other countries involved in trade negotiations.
In a fresh warning, China announced it is ready to retaliate against any country that strikes a trade deal with the US at the expense of Chinese interests.
The stern warning comes following reports that the Trump administration has been pressuring several countries to limit trade with China in exchange for exemption from US import tariffs.
Presiden Amerika Serikat Donald Trump dan Presiden China Xi Jinping.
The US government is currently actively engaging with its trade partners. Last week, a Japanese delegation visited Washington, while South Korea is scheduled to start negotiations this week.
“Easing tensions will not bring peace, and compromise will not earn respect,” said a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce, as quoted by the BBC.
"China firmly opposes any party that reaches an agreement at the cost of China’s interests. Should that happen, China will never accept it and will respond firmly," the spokesperson said.
This statement echoed an editorial published last week in the state-run China Daily, which warned the European Union not to take a soft stance toward the US in trade matters.
As widely reported, Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, and several other countries have also been affected.
The US president claimed that these tariffs would encourage American consumers to buy local products, boost national revenue, and attract major domestic investments.
However, the policy has faced criticism for making it harder for manufacturers to relocate operations to the US and potentially disrupting the economy in the short term.
In fact, Trump rolled back some of the tariffs just hours after they were announced, granting a 90-day grace period for all countries except China.
Trump has imposed tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports. Meanwhile, other countries face general tariffs of 10% through July.
The US government also stated that if the new tariffs are combined with existing ones, the total tax burden on Chinese goods could reach 245%.
China, unwilling to sit idle, has retaliated with tariffs of up to 125% on US goods and has vowed to “fight to the end.”
Jesper Koll of Japan’s Monex Group highlighted the dilemma faced by countries like Japan.
“Looking at the numbers, about 20 percent of Japan’s profits come from the United States, and about 15 percent from the People’s Republic of China. Obviously, Japan doesn’t want to be forced to choose between the two,” he explained.
Japan has already started talks with the US through its chief tariff negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, who met directly with President Trump in Washington.
South Korea is set to begin similar discussions this week.
With more countries getting drawn into the conflict, there are growing fears that the trade war could have broader impacts on global financial markets.
China has warned it stands ready to act if any nation tries to take advantage of the ongoing situation.
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This statement echoed an editorial published last week in the state-run China Daily, which warned the European Union not to take a soft stance toward the US in trade matters.
