A big warning against trade deals by Chinese government.

China issues a stern warning to countries signing trade deals with the US, escalating tensions in the US-China trade war. Read more at AMERICA NEWS WORLD.

As the US-China trade war intensifies, China has sent a bold warning to nations considering trade deals with the United States. The message is clear: don’t make deals that hurt China’s interests. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW), we break down this escalating global trade conflict, its impact, and what it means for countries caught in the crossfire. Written in simple, everyday words, this article dives into the latest developments, numbers, and reasons behind China’s stance. Let’s explore what’s happening and why it matters.

On April 20, 2025, China’s Commerce Ministry issued a sharp statement. It “firmly opposes” any country striking trade deals with the US that harm China. This comes as US President Donald Trump pushes a 10% tariff on most countries but slaps China with levies up to 145% on many goods. In response, Beijing hit back with 125% tariffs on US products. The trade war, already sparking fears of a global recession, is now pulling other nations into the fray.

Why is China so upset? Reports suggest Trump’s team is pressuring countries like Vietnam, India, and Japan to limit trade with China in exchange for lower US tariffs. For example, Bloomberg reported that the US might impose monetary sanctions on nations that don’t curb China trade. China’s spokesperson called this “unilateralism and protectionism,” warning it could lead to a “law of the jungle” where “the strong prey on the weak.” They added, “Appeasement will not bring peace, and compromise will not be respected.”

China’s warning is blunt. “If any deal hurts our interests, we won’t accept it,” the ministry said. They promised “resolute countermeasures” against countries that side with the US at China’s expense. This could mean higher tariffs, trade restrictions, or other economic penalties. For instance, China has already shown its muscle by matching US tariffs and issuing a US travel advisory, citing trade tensions.

(Source: Reuters, April 19, 2025)

• US tariffs on China: 145% (select goods)
• China tariffs on US: 125% (select goods)
• US global tariff (others): 10%
• Global trade growth projection: -2.3% (WTO estimate)

The US-China trade war is reshaping global trade. The World Trade Organization (WTO) predicts an 80% drop in US-China merchandise trade this year, nearly decoupling the two economies. This split could divide the world into two trade blocs: one aligned with the US, the other with China. For countries like South Korea, Japan, and Canada, picking a side is risky. Aligning with the US might mean lower tariffs but could provoke China’s wrath. Staying neutral, however, risks US penalties.

Let’s look at the numbers. In 2024, US imports from China totaled $439 billion, down from 21% of US imports in 2016 to 13% last year. Meanwhile, China’s exports to the US, like smartphones and batteries, face massive tariffs. For example, Apple’s stock dropped 20% in a month due to tariffs on Chinese-made iPhones. On the flip side, US exports to China, like soybeans and pharmaceuticals, are hit hard by Beijing’s 125% duties.

(Source: BBC, April 13, 2025)

Why is China taking such a hard line? For one, President Xi Jinping can’t afford to look weak. Backing down to Trump would hurt his image at home, where economic growth is a key source of legitimacy. Unlike the US, China’s government can absorb economic pain without public backlash, thanks to its authoritarian system. However, prolonged trade disruptions could strain China’s economy, which relies on exports and global supply chains.

Meanwhile, Trump sees tariffs as a winning strategy. He claims they’ll bring manufacturing back to the US and force China to negotiate. On April 16, he told reporters, “We’re talking to China… I think we’ll make a very good deal.” Yet, China denies being in active talks, calling for “dialogue” but slamming US “blackmail.” Posts on X reflect this tension, with some users noting China’s resolve to “fight to the end” while others speculate about behind-the-scenes negotiations.

Other countries are feeling the heat. Japan is sending trade officials to Washington to negotiate tariff exemptions, while South Korea secured a temporary 10% tariff rate. Canada, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, imposed 25% tariffs on some US vehicles but carved out exemptions under the USMCA trade deal. However, aligning with the US risks China’s retaliation. For example, Spain, after meeting with Xi Jinping, won a deal to sell more pork to China, offsetting US tariff losses.

(Source: Politico, April 16, 2025)

• Countries negotiating with US: 75+
• Countries with 10% US tariff: Japan, South Korea, India
• Countries facing China’s countermeasures: None confirmed
• Global recession risk: 62% (IMF estimate)

The stakes are high. The IMF warns that a full-blown US-China trade war could cut global GDP by 2-3%. Smaller economies, like Cambodia and Vietnam, face tough choices. These countries rely on Chinese goods but want access to the US market. If they curb China trade, they risk Beijing’s penalties. If they don’t, Trump’s tariffs could hurt their exports.

For readers in the US, India, and beyond, this trade war affects everyday life. Higher tariffs mean pricier goods, from smartphones to cars. In the US, consumers could see a 10-15% price hike on electronics, per the WTO. In India, which exports $83 billion to the US, tariffs could hit industries like textiles and pharmaceuticals. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we’re tracking these changes. Visit america112.com for updates.

For more on the trade war’s global impact, check out this external report from The Guardian on China’s countermeasures. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we aim to keep you informed with clear, accessible news.

Why China’s Warning Matters
China’s statement isn’t just talk. It’s a signal to smaller nations: don’t cross us. By threatening “reciprocal countermeasures,” China is flexing its economic muscle. For example, it could raise tariffs on countries like Vietnam, which relies on China for 30% of its imports. Alternatively, China might limit access to its massive consumer market, hurting nations that depend on Chinese buyers.

Trump’s Strategy
Trump’s plan is to isolate China by striking deals with allies like Japan and India. His team believes this will pressure Xi Jinping to negotiate. For instance, a White House official told Politico that tariff deals with Asian nations could “disrupt China’s supply chain.” However, China’s vast domestic market and control over critical goods, like batteries and rare earths, give it leverage. Unlike the US, China can redirect exports to countries like India and Russia.

Global Ripple Effects
The trade war is reshaping alliances. Canada, for example, is seeking deeper ties with Europe to offset US tariffs. Spain’s pork deal with China shows how countries are pivoting to Beijing. Meanwhile, the WTO warns of a “split global trading system,” with countries forced to choose sides. This could hurt smaller economies the most, as they lose access to one of the two biggest markets.

With tariffs escalating, negotiations are critical. Trump’s 90-day tariff pause for most countries (except China) gives nations like South Korea and Japan time to strike deals. However, China’s refusal to confirm talks suggests a long standoff. The next few weeks, with meetings like Japan’s trade talks in Washington, will be crucial. If no progress is made, the IMF predicts a 62% chance of a global recession by 2026.

Whether you’re a student in New York, a worker in Mumbai, or a retiree in London, this trade war affects you. Higher prices, job risks, and global uncertainty touch everyone. Share your thoughts in the comments or follow us at america112.com for real-time updates. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we make complex news easy to understand.