China threatens to retaliate against countries that bow to Trump and strike trade deals with US: ‘Compromise will not earn respect’

New York Post - Apr 21st, 2025

China has issued a stern warning to countries contemplating economic deals with the United States at the expense of Chinese interests, amidst escalating trade tensions. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has stated that any nation aligning with the US to seek tariff reductions will face retaliatory measures. This comes as a response to reports that the Trump administration is pressuring countries to cut trade ties with China as part of their negotiation tactics. Beijing has emphasized its determination to defend its economic interests against such maneuvers, highlighting the consequences of compromising China’s interests for temporary gains.

This development is a part of the ongoing trade war between the world’s two largest economies, marked by recent increases in tariffs by both nations. The US has imposed tariffs of 145% on Chinese goods, to which China has responded with 125% tariffs on US imports. The aggressive trade policies underscore the deteriorating economic relations between the two countries and signal potential global economic repercussions if the situation escalates. China's warning further complicates the geopolitical landscape and poses a challenging dilemma for other nations caught in the middle of this economic conflict.

Donald Trump China Tariffs United States Trade War Chinese Ministry Of Commerce Economic Retaliation

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RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of the US-China trade conflict, focusing on China's warnings against countries aligning with the US. While it effectively communicates the main points and is accessible to a general audience, it lacks depth in sourcing and balance, primarily presenting China's perspective without sufficient context or opposing views. The absence of specific sources and expert commentary limits its accuracy and credibility. Despite these shortcomings, the article addresses a topic of significant public interest and has the potential to influence discussions on international trade policies. Enhancing the article with more diverse perspectives and detailed analysis would improve its overall quality and impact.

Accuracy

The article presents several verifiable claims, such as China's warning to other countries about making deals with the US and the specific tariff percentages imposed by both the US and China. However, it lacks detailed evidence and specific sources to support these claims. The mention of China's retaliatory stance and the Trump administration's negotiation tactics are consistent with ongoing trade tensions, but the article does not provide specific examples or sources to substantiate these points. Verification of the exact countries involved and more context on the trade negotiations would enhance accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily presents China's perspective on the trade conflict, emphasizing their warnings and retaliatory intentions. While it mentions the US's actions, such as raising tariffs, it does not provide a detailed account of the US's rationale or perspective. The lack of a balanced view from both sides of the trade conflict creates an impression of bias towards China's position. Including perspectives from the US government or economic analysts would provide a more balanced representation of the issue.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and straightforward, with a logical flow of information. It effectively communicates the main points of China's warning and the context of the trade conflict. The language is neutral and easy to understand, making the article accessible to a broad audience. However, some sections could benefit from additional context to enhance reader comprehension, such as more background on the trade war's history.

Source quality

The article does not cite specific sources or experts to back its claims, relying instead on general statements attributed to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The absence of direct quotes or references to official documents or press releases weakens the reliability of the information presented. The credibility would be enhanced by including named sources, expert opinions, or links to official statements from both China and the US.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was obtained or the context surrounding the statements made by the Chinese government. Additionally, there is no acknowledgment of potential conflicts of interest or biases in reporting. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the context of the trade negotiations would improve the article's credibility.