On Thursday, China issued a warning regarding trade agreements that may “hurt third parties,” following remarks from US President Donald Trump about reaching a deal with Vietnam.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that China has consistently promoted the idea that all parties should address economic and trade differences through equal dialogue and consultation.
“Simultaneously, she emphasised that pertinent negotiations and agreements must not aim to undermine or adversely affect the interests of third parties.”
The agreement revealed on Wednesday marks the first comprehensive pact that Trump has established with an Asian country. Experts suggest it could provide insight into the framework that Washington might adopt in negotiations with other nations seeking similar agreements.
With just days remaining before Trump’s self-imposed July 9 deadline, the prospect of steeper tariffs on US trade partners looms large, contingent on the success of ongoing negotiations.
Shares in clothing companies and sports equipment manufacturers, which have a significant presence in Vietnam, initially surged following the announcement. However, they experienced a sharp decline after Trump disclosed details that included tariffs exceeding expectations.
Peter Navarro, a trade adviser to former President Trump, has labelled Vietnam as a “colony of China”, asserting that approximately one-third of products from Vietnam are rebranded Chinese merchandise.
On Thursday, Beijing’s Commerce Ministry expressed its longstanding opposition to US tariffs.
During a recent briefing, He Yongqian, the spokeswoman for China’s Ministry of Commerce, stated, “China’s position is consistent.”
“We welcome the resolution of economic and trade differences with the United States through equal consultations among all parties, but we strongly oppose any agreement that compromises China’s interests,” she stated.
