As trade tensions with the United States reach new heights, China has issued a firm rebuke to the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs of up to 245% on Chinese imports, dismissing the measures as a “tariff numbers game” and vowing not to yield to external pressure.
In a strongly worded statement, Beijing emphasized that any future trade negotiations must be rooted in “mutual respect and equality,” a direct rebuttal to what it views as increasingly aggressive and unilateral actions by Washington.
The proposed tariffs, aimed at a wide range of Chinese goods, mark the latest escalation in the economic conflict between the world’s two largest economies.
The consequences of the looming tariffs are already rippling through key sectors. TikTok Shop, one of China’s leading digital commerce platforms operating in the US. has experienced a sharp decline in weekly sales - from $290 million to under $200 million in just two weeks. Analysts say the plunge underscores the fragility of cross-border e-commerce in an era of intensifying protectionism.
“This isn’t just a policy threat - it’s already altering business behavior and shaking investor confidence,” said Liu Wei, a trade economist based in Shanghai. “What we’re seeing now is the beginning of a wider decoupling.”
In response to the growing strain with the US., China is rapidly recalibrating its global economic strategy. President Xi Jinping is currently on a diplomatic tour of Southeast Asia, with recent stops in Vietnam and Malaysia, and ongoing talks in Cambodia. The trip reflects a clear pivot toward regional trade integration and economic cooperation within Asia.
“Unity and autonomy are critical for Asia’s future,” Xi said during a joint press conference in Kuala Lumpur. “We must build resilient supply chains and open markets within our region, rather than rely on external powers that seek to divide us.”
The Southeast Asia tour is seen as a strategic push to solidify China’s influence in the region and build alternative trade partnerships as ties with Washington grow more strained. Beijing’s efforts include proposed upgrades to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and new bilateral deals focused on digital trade, green energy, and infrastructure.
Analysts say China’s shift away from US-centric trade patterns marks a defining moment in the global economic order.
“Beijing is signaling that it’s not going to play by Washington’s rules anymore,” said Karen Matsuda, a political analyst at the East Asia Strategy Institute. “This isn’t retreat - it’s realignment.”
As the tariff standoff continues with no signs of resolution, global markets are bracing for further uncertainty. But it does seem that China is not backing down - it’s looking elsewhere.
The EU plans to charge a new €2 fee on billions of small packages, mostly from China, challenging online retailers like Temu and Shein.
China announced a $500 million contribution to the WHO over five years, stepping in as the UN agency faces a funding shortfall after the U.S. cut support.
Top diplomats from Pakistan, China, and the Taliban-led Afghan government convened in Beijing for a trilateral meeting focused on advancing regional stability, boosting economic ties, and strengthening counterterrorism cooperation.
China cut benchmark lending rates for the first time since October on Tuesday, while major state banks lowered deposit rates as authorities work to ease monetary policy to help buffer the economy from the impact of the Sino-U.S. trade war.
Russia is ready to increase oil supplies to China via Kazakhstan by 2.5 million tons, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.
Elon Musk confirmed he plans to stay as Tesla’s chief executive for at least five more years. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk said despite pressure over his ties to Donald Trump’s administration, he remains committed to leading the electric car company.
Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.
A major naval operation ended Monday in the Baltic Sea, involving 12 warships and 19 teams of divers and underwater drone operators from 13 NATO countries.
People in Damascus expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday night after the European Union announced it would lift economic sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the United States last week.
Foreign ministers from member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) came together in Budapest for a pre-summit meeting held ahead of the organization’s informal summit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
Google announced a new “AI Mode” for its search engine in the United States, aiming to make searching feel more like talking to an expert who can answer almost any question.
Elon Musk confirmed he plans to stay as Tesla’s chief executive for at least five more years. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk said despite pressure over his ties to Donald Trump’s administration, he remains committed to leading the electric car company.
Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.
A major naval operation ended Monday in the Baltic Sea, involving 12 warships and 19 teams of divers and underwater drone operators from 13 NATO countries.
People in Damascus expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday night after the European Union announced it would lift economic sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the United States last week.
Elon Musk confirmed he plans to stay as Tesla’s chief executive for at least five more years. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Musk said despite pressure over his ties to Donald Trump’s administration, he remains committed to leading the electric car company.
Severe drought in Syria this year is threatening about 75% of local wheat crops, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns, risking food shortages for millions.
A major naval operation ended Monday in the Baltic Sea, involving 12 warships and 19 teams of divers and underwater drone operators from 13 NATO countries.
People in Damascus expressed relief and cautious optimism on Tuesday night after the European Union announced it would lift economic sanctions on Syria, following a similar decision by the United States last week.
Foreign ministers from member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) came together in Budapest for a pre-summit meeting held ahead of the organization’s informal summit.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment