China has reacted to former President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs. The response comes in light of Trump’s recent call for tariffs of 50-100% on China concerning its relations with Russia. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made it clear that China is committed to promoting peace talks to resolve sensitive issues. He also dismissed any possibility of China implementing reciprocal tariffs.
According to China Daily, Wang Yi stated during a media conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that war cannot solve problems, and sanctions only make them more complex. He emphasized that China does not participate in or plan for war and instead prioritizes peace talks, promoting political solutions to key issues through dialogue.
Wang Yi highlighted that China is a responsible nation with an excellent record on peace and security issues. He stressed the need to promote multilateralism, strengthen multilateral mechanisms, and jointly defend the principles of the UN Charter.
He added that amidst the current global chaos and conflict, China and Europe should be friends rather than rivals.
These comments were made following Trump’s call for tariffs on Chinese purchases of Russian oil until the end of the Ukraine conflict. In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that NATO’s commitment to winning the war has been less than 100% and that the purchase of Russian oil by some members of the alliance is shocking.
Trump directly commented on NATO members, saying that it greatly weakens their negotiating position and bargaining power with Russia.