Introduction
Making a biting attack on American President Donald Trump's "America First" policy, China Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned the world against reviving the "law of the jungle" as global relations are headed. Without directly naming the United States, the Chinese Foreign Minister made it quite clear in Beijing during a media briefing that his nation is firmly opposed to protectionism and unilateralism.
As tensions between the two global superpowers escalate, particularly in trade and technology, China has positioned itself as a stabilizing force advocating for international cooperation and economic growth.
China's Threat to the 'Law of the Jungle'
At Beijing's annual "Two Sessions" event, Foreign Minister Wang Yi gave a stark warning against the threats posed by major powers pursuing unilateralism at the expense of global collaboration.
There are more than 190 countries in the world," Wang responded to a CNN reporter's question about Trump's "America First" policy.
- "Would all put 'my country first' and sulk over an air of strength, the jungle law would reign supreme again. Smaller and weaker countries would be the first to bear the brunt, and international norms and order would get a body blow.".
Wang's comments reflect China's growing unease with U.S. trade policy, increasing tariffs, and broader foreign policy shifts during Trump's administration.
Escalating U.S.-China Trade War
The US-China trade war has raged on the last few months with President Trump imposing another fresh batch of tariffs on Chinese products. President Trump signed Executive Order 14195 on February 1, 2025, imposing a 10% tariff on all imports from China, effective on February 4.
China retorted with:
- A 15% tariff on American coal and liquefied natural gas
- A 10% tariff on American oil and agricultural equipment
- Export restrictions on exotic metals such as tungsten
- Antitrust probes of big U.S. tech companies, including Google
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China's Economic Growth Strategy for 2025
Despite rising tensions in trade, China is holding on to its 5% economic growth target for 2025. The government has also found several strategies to ensure economic growth:
- Bringing down inflation to 2%
- Bumping up the deficit target to 4% of GDP
- Investing in high-technology areas such as AI and green energy
- Increasing domestic consumption to reduce reliance on exports
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China Condemns U.S. Unilateralism
Aside from trade, Wang Yi also criticized the general implications of unilateralism, denouncing great powers that subvert international cooperation.
"Major powers should not bully the weak," Wang stated. "China opposes hegemonism and remains committed to upholding international justice."
Beijing's stance is a request for multipolarity in international affairs, where no single country dictates the direction of world policy. This is different from Trump's aggressive foreign policy, which has put diplomatic relations under strain worldwide.
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The Quest for Technological Supremacy
A second area of intense disagreement between the U.S. and China is competition in technology. Both nations are vying for supremacy in domains such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- 5G and telecommunication
- Semiconductors
- Renewable energy technologies
Despite outside pressure, China is doubling down on innovation, with Wang Yi confirming that China is committed to technology development.
"China will continue to pursue innovation regardless of external pressures," Wang stated.
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Global Economic Repercussions
The ongoing U.S.-China economic war has rattled global financial markets. The European Central Bank (ECB) cut interest rates to 2.5% recently in a bid to counter economic slowdowns induced by U.S. tariffs on EU exports.
ECB President Christine Lagarde warned that prolonged trade wars threaten investment and employment, particularly in Europe, which is caught in the middle of U.S.-China tensions.
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U.S.-China Cooperation Calls
Despite increased tensions, Wang Yi made it clear that China is open to constructive dialogue with the United States.
"China is willing to cooperate with the United States to build a relationship of coordination, cooperation, and stability," he added.
While the future is always uncertain, diplomacy can ease tensions and lead to a more cooperative world.
Conclusion: The Future of U.S.-China Relations
The U.S.-China standoff is at a crossroads, as both nations struggle with deep economic and political challenges. While Trump's America First policy keeps rattling global expectations, China is retaliating with calls for global collaboration and economic resilience.
With trade wars, tech conflicts, and geopolitical tensions on the table, the next few months will be crucial in ascertaining the direction of global relations. Whether the two superpowers will succeed in bridging differences and continuing on an economic confrontation trajectory or not remains to be seen.
Stay Informed:
For further breaking news on U.S.-China diplomacy, international trade, and economic policies, watch for:
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