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Beijing responds to US President Donald Trump’s proposal that NATO impose 50–100% tariffs on China over Russian oil, stressing dialogue, multilateralism, and cooperative global responsibilities.
China Pushes Back Against Tariff Proposal
China has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat, which called for NATO to impose duties ranging from 50 to 100 per cent on Beijing. The proposal, linked to China’s continued purchase of Russian oil during the ongoing Ukraine conflict, prompted a swift rebuttal from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who emphasized that China “does not participate in or plan wars” and remains committed to encouraging peace talks and political solutions.
The remarks came during Wang Yi’s press conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, following his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon. According to China Daily, Wang underscored that sanctions and tariffs do not solve international crises but instead complicate them further.
Trump’s Call for NATO Tariffs
The controversy was triggered when Trump, through a Truth Social post on Saturday, urged NATO members to act collectively against China by implementing punitive tariffs. He argued that such measures, which he described as temporary until the “war with Russia and Ukraine is ended,” would undermine China’s influence over Moscow.
“I believe that this, plus NATO, as a group, placing 50 per cent to 100 per cent tariffs on China, to be fully withdrawn after the war… will be of great help in ending this deadly, but ridiculous, war,” Trump wrote. He further asserted that China holds “a strong grip over Russia” and that tariffs would weaken this leverage.
China’s Position on Global Conflicts
In his remarks, Wang Yi reiterated that Beijing consistently advocates peaceful resolutions to disputes. “China does not participate in or plan wars, and what China does is to encourage peace talks and promote political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue,” he stated. He highlighted that resorting to economic sanctions, isolation, or trade wars would only create additional instability in an already fragile international environment.
Wang also warned against further divisions between major powers, noting that the global landscape is increasingly marked by “intertwined chaos and continuous conflicts.” He urged world leaders to strengthen multilateral institutions, safeguard the United Nations Charter, and avoid escalating geopolitical rivalries.
Relations Between China and Europe
A significant part of Wang’s address focused on the relationship between China and Europe. Stressing that both sides should act as “friends rather than rivals,” he called for deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement. According to Wang, “making the right choices amid the greatest changes in a century demonstrates the responsibilities that both sides should fulfill towards history and the people.”
His message appeared to counter Trump’s narrative, which frames China as the central actor enabling Russia’s ongoing war. Wang’s comments reflected Beijing’s strategic interest in maintaining stable ties with European countries, which are facing their own economic challenges due to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
Trump’s Mixed Signals on China
Trump’s latest statements come amid a fluctuating tone in his approach to Beijing. Just hours before accusing Chinese President Xi Jinping of “conspiring against” America, Trump had claimed his personal ties with the Chinese leadership remained “very good.” His dual messaging reflects both his longstanding confrontational stance on trade and security issues and his inclination to highlight personal diplomacy.
Earlier this month, China held its largest-ever military parade, an event attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump cited the spectacle as proof of growing anti-US coordination, fueling his call for tariffs.
The Bigger Picture
The exchange highlights the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding the Ukraine war and the role of China in global diplomacy. While the United States under Trump continues to push for punitive measures, Beijing has positioned itself as a mediator advocating peace talks. Analysts suggest that China’s call for dialogue reflects its desire to avoid economic fallout from sanctions while strengthening its reputation as a stabilizing power.
The situation also underscores Europe’s delicate balancing act—relying on NATO security commitments while managing complex trade and investment ties with China. As Wang Yi pointed out, the choices made by global powers today will have lasting implications for the international order.
Conclusion
China’s response to Trump’s tariff threat underscores its commitment to promoting dialogue over confrontation. By rejecting punitive economic measures and calling for multilateral cooperation, Beijing is seeking to project itself as a global peace broker. Whether NATO or European nations will heed Trump’s call for tariffs remains uncertain, but the clash of narratives reflects the broader struggle to shape the future of global geopolitics amid war, sanctions, and shifting alliances.
