China Warns Against Trade Deals Harming Its Interests Ahead of US July 9 Tariff Deadline

Beijing, China – The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has issued a strong warning against any countries entering trade agreements with the United States that would compromise Chinese interests in exchange for tariff relief. This statement comes as the July 9 deadline approaches for nations to negotiate exemptions from US "reciprocal tariffs" or face potentially unilateral impositions.

According to Bloomberg, the Ministry of Commerce stated that Beijing "firmly opposes any countries reaching trade agreements with the US that would sacrifice Chinese interests in exchange for tariff relief." US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that President Trump aims to finalize trade deals in the coming weeks, with the possibility of dictating trade terms to countries that do not reach agreements by the deadline.

Beijing views the US "reciprocal tariffs," implemented since April, as a form of "unilateral bullying" that disrupts the international trade order. A spokesperson for MOFCOM emphasized that China would "never accept it and will resolutely counter to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests" if such deals occur. China urges all parties to uphold multilateral trade rules and engage in equal consultations.

The US tariff pressure has prompted various nations to seek agreements. The European Union has attempted to negotiate tariff eliminations, while Japan reportedly proposed a "China countermeasure package" focused on supply chains. Canada recently saw trade talks with the US cut off over a digital services tax, illustrating the complexities other countries face in these negotiations.

This firm stance from China emerges even as a recent framework for implementing a trade consensus between the US and China has been confirmed, involving the removal of some restrictive measures. Despite these bilateral discussions, China continues to assert its position that third-party agreements should not come at its expense, underscoring the delicate balance in global trade relations.