China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, stated that China will continue to retaliate against the United States for what it sees as “arbitrary tariffs” and accused Washington of responding to China’s efforts with hostility. Wang made these remarks during a press conference on the sidelines of China’s annual parliamentary session.
Wang emphasized that China’s efforts to assist the U.S. in addressing its fentanyl crisis have been met with punitive tariffs, which have strained the relationship between the two nations. He also said that no country should expect to suppress China while maintaining a positive relationship, warning that such actions are detrimental to both bilateral stability and trust.
The U.S. recently imposed duties on China, as well as Canada and Mexico, citing concerns over fentanyl smuggling. Both Canada and Mexico have contested these charges. China maintains that it has taken significant steps to curb the export of chemicals used in fentanyl production and argues that illegal drug use in the U.S. is a domestic issue.
The duties are the latest in a long-standing cycle of retaliatory tariffs between the U.S. and China, which began after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office in January. The U.S. imposed a 20% flat tariff on all Chinese imports, while China responded by introducing additional 15% tariffs on American products such as chicken, pork, soy, and beef. In addition, China implemented expanded restrictions on business dealings with major U.S. companies.
The foreign minister’s annual press conference is the only time Wang addresses both Chinese and international media on a variety of subjects. This year’s event focused heavily on questions about China’s relationship with the U.S., as well as other topics like regional conflicts and partnerships within the Global South.
Commenting on the Trump administration’s policy of prioritizing U.S. interests over international cooperation, Wang warned that if every country adopted this approach, it would lead to a “law of the jungle” scenario.
Wang emphasized that smaller and weaker countries would suffer the most in such a scenario, leading to a severe disruption of the international order and rules. He stressed that major nations should fulfill their global responsibilities and avoid exploiting or bullying weaker countries for their own benefit.
Wang reaffirmed China’s position on the Ukraine war, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts through political negotiations. He remarked that, in hindsight, the Ukraine conflict could have been avoided and stressed that security should be mutual and not based on the insecurity of others.
Regarding China-Russia relations, Wang stated that the ties between the two nations remain strong, despite recent discussions between the U.S. and Russia about ending the Ukraine war. He also mentioned that China and Russia are planning joint celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
On Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory, Wang declared that Taiwan has never been, and will never be, a separate country. He emphasized that advocating for Taiwan’s independence is an attempt to divide the nation and that supporting or tolerating Taiwan’s independence undermines the stability of the Taiwan Strait.
Wang warned that those advocating for Taiwan’s independence are “playing with fire” and will ultimately harm themselves.
Regarding former President Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza and resettle Palestinians in neighboring countries, Wang stated that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and any attempt to forcibly alter its status would lead to further instability. He expressed China’s support for the peace plan proposed by Egypt and other Arab nations, reiterating Beijing’s commitment to a two-state solution for Palestine and Israel.
Wang explained that the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict persists because the two-state solution remains incomplete. While Israel has long been established as a state, Palestine’s statehood is still far from being realized.