By Ryan Yeh
In recent days, the U.S. government has indiscriminately wielded tariff measures, imposing "reciprocal tariffs" on its global trading partners, including China. The coercion severely violates China’s legitimate rights, breaches World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, undermines the multilateral trading system, and destabilizes the global economic order. It is an act of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. In response to the escalating pressure, Beijing has rolled out countermeasures to defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests. Meanwhile, it is working with the international community to push back against U.S. tariff coercion and uphold multilateralism and global economic order.
The extortion by the United States, which uses tariffs as a tool to pressure others for profit, is a typical case of tariff bullying. Chad Bown, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said Mr. Trump’s tariffs would violate WTO rules in two ways: applying different tariff rates to different countries would violate the non-discrimination commitment, and if the United States raises its tariff rates beyond the maximum rate it has negotiated with other members, that would break trading rules, too. This policy has drawn widespread condemnation and opposition since its announcement. Chilean President Gabriel Boric criticized that such unilateral actions disregard international trade norms and embrace an ideology of “might makes right.” European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that “reciprocal tariffs” could inflict negative repercussions on the global economy.
China has always adhered to the position that it does not want a trade war but is not afraid of fighting one. The United States has provoked tensions, prompting China to take justified countermeasures aimed at safeguarding its national sovereignty, development interests, and the established order of international trade. Its resolute action also makes clear to the world that it will not tolerate bullying tactics, insisting that pressure and threats are not accepted. Al Jazeera recently published an article analyzing “why China isn’t as worried about Trump’s trade war as in 2018.” It notes that there have been several key changes since then. In addition to China’s reduced reliance on exports to the United States and its expanded efforts to tap into emerging markets, the accumulation of experience in navigating trade tensions and the government’s ability to respond to US tariff measures have strengthened both the government and the enterprises’ resolve and capacity to respond to unilateral pressure from Washington.
China is confident, capable, and resilient to fight against this tariff “blackmail.” Its economy is built on a solid foundation, with multiple advantages, strong resilience, and vast potential. The supporting conditions and the tendency for long-term economic growth remain unchanged, as does the overarching trend toward high-quality development. In 2024, China’s GDP reached 134.9 trillion yuan, achieving a 5% growth rate—among the highest of the world’s major economies. Moreover, it has a complete industrial system—the only country that has all industrial categories listed in the UN industrial classification, serving as a solid foundation for countering trade bullying. Its vast domestic market of over 1.4 billion people manages to cushion the impact of external shocks, creating a “strategic depth” when confronting the “blackmail.” China remains firmly committed to high-standard opening-up, using bilateral and regional free trade agreements to counter unilateralism and building a "breakthrough network" against trade blockades through multilateral cooperation. As Bloomberg has noted, China, as the world’s largest producer, has developed a highly resilient economy over the years.
U.S. unilateral bullying is disrupting the international trade order, threatening the certainty of the global economy, and raising the risk of a potential recession. The post-WWII global trade order and the achievements of economic globalization were hard-won, yet Washington’s current “tariff blackmail” threatens to undermine them. “Feeding the tiger with one’s own flesh” will only fuel its appetite. The international community must stand united in resistance, upholding a fair, just, and open global trade environment. China’s timely and targeted countermeasures showcase international justice and righteousness. The dispute is not only the continuation of the China-US trade war but also a reflection of the clash between two opposing visions in the time of economic globalization: cooperation versus confrontation. Throughout this process, Beijing has drawn upon its institutional strengths, economic resilience, and strategic foresight to demonstrate its commitment to resisting economic bullying and acting as a responsible force on the global stage. The U.S. attempt to pressure China through coercion is like kicking an iron plate, a futile move that will hurt itself.
Economic globalization is an inevitable path for human development, and beggar-thy-neighbor policy will ultimately backfire. The consequences of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act in the 1930s, which triggered a global trade war, remain a sobering lesson. China stands firmly on the right side of history, continuously enhancing its self-reliance through opening-up while contributing stability to the world. China firmly believes that openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation are the right path for humanity.
Ryan Yeh is a Beijing-based observer of international affairs. The views don't necessarily reflect those of BeijingReviewDossier.
