China’s president Xi Jinping (File photo)
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday strongly criticized the use of tariffs, warning they undermine the multilateral trading system and destabilize the global economic order.
Speaking in Beijing during talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Xi claimed that trade wars “undermine the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, hurt the multilateral trading system, and impact the world economic order.“
His remarks, reported by state news agency Xinhua, come amid escalating tensions between Beijing and Washington. Earlier this month, US President Donald Trump imposed a sweeping 145 per cent tariff on Chinese imports, triggering swift retaliation from China, which slapped a 125 percent duty on American goods.
Beijing had earlier issued stark warnings to other nations considering trade agreements with the United States. A spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry stated on Monday, “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” adding that “appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected.”
Meanwhile, a show of diplomatic outreach, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi held phone discussions with his British and Austrian counterparts on Tuesday, urging the UK and the European Union to stand in defense of multilateral trade principles.
Despite growing global tensions, Xi highlighted the resilience of China’s bilateral relationships, noting that ties with Azerbaijan have remained strong “despite a constantly changing international situation.”
