JAKARTA - China accuses Washington of abusing tariffs and warning countries against reaching a broader economic agreement with the United States for sacrificing the country.
Beijing will firmly oppose any party reaching an agreement at the expense of China and "will take retaliatory action in a firm and reciprocal manner," China's Ministry of Commerce said.
The ministry responded to a Bloomberg report, citing sources familiar with the matter. It said the Trump administration was preparing to pressure countries seeking rate reductions or exceptions from the US to curb trade with China, including imposing monetary sanctions.
President Donald Trump has stopped the massive tariff he announced against dozens of countries on April 2 except for China, pointing to the world's second-largest economy as the country most charged.
In a series of steps, Washington raised China's import rates by 145%, prompting Beijing to impose 125% of its retaliatory duties on US goods, which effectively impose trade embargoes on each other. Last week, China hinted its own rates would not rise further.
"The United States has abused tariffs on all trading partners on the grounds of being called 'equality', while also forcing all parties to start the so-called 'reciprocal parity' negotiations with them," the ministry spokesman said.
China is determined and able to protect its own rights and interests, and is willing to strengthen solidarity with all parties, the ministry said.
"In fact, no one wants to side with," said Bo Zhengyuan, partner at China-based policy consultant Plenum.
"If countries rely heavily on China in terms of investment, industrial infrastructure, technology and consumption knowledge, I don't think they will accept US demands. Many Southeast Asian countries are included in this category," he continued.
Pursuing a hardline stance, Beijing this week will hold an informal meeting of the United Nations Security Council to accuse Washington of intimidation and "shadowing global efforts for peace and development" by arming tariffs.
Earlier this month, US Trade Representative Jamieson Total said nearly 50 countries had contacted him to discuss the high additional rates imposed by Trump.
Several bilateral talks on tariffs have been held since then, with Japan considering increasing imports of soybeans and rice as part of its talks with the US while Indonesia plans to increase imports of US food and commodities and reduce orders from other countries.
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