Why China sees US trade deals with partners as a threat – and how it could react
As Washington’s deadline looms, Beijing warns nations not to cut deals that hurt its interests – but how will it respond if ignored?
Beijing has renewed its warning to other countries not to strike deals with the United States on terms that come at China’s expense – ahead of Washington’s looming deadline to conclude tariff negotiations with most of its trade partners.
Chinese officials are concerned that nations from Europe to Southeast Asia may enter into trade agreements with the US that divert supply chains, reduce bilateral trade with China or compel governments to exit Beijing-led projects, analysts said on Monday.
“The first important one is not to shift the supply chain,” said Liang Yan, professor of economics at Willamette University. “There’s a possibility that other countries would disengage from China.”
On April 2, the Trump administration imposed sweeping global tariffs – dubbing it “Liberation Day” – only to suspend most of the duties for 90 days to allow for talks.