China warns nations against trade deals that undermine its interests

New Delhi, Apr 21: China issued a stern warning to countries contemplating trade pacts with Washington that may come at Beijing’s expense. A fiery statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), published in the Global Times, a state-run outlet often seen as reflecting Beijing’s official line, condemned efforts by the U.S. to “pressure its trading partners into limiting their dealings with China” in exchange for tariff relief. “In particular, China is firmly opposed to any party striking a deal at the expense of the Chinese side,” said the MOFCOM spokesperson in remarks that appeared Monday. “If such a situation arises, China will never accept it and will take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.”

The statement came when U.S. Vice President JD Vance began a four-day official visit to India. The unusually pointed rhetoric follows a Wall Street Journal report on April 15, which detailed the Trump administration’s plans to engage allies and strategic partners, including India, Japan, and the European Union in bilateral tariff talks with a view to economically isolating China.

The U.S. approach, described by one official as reported by the international media as “a deal-for-diplomacy strategy,” proposes easing Trump-era tariffs in return for support in limiting engagement with China’s economy. Beijing was quick to call out what it described as “hegemonic politics and unilateral bullying under the guise of reciprocity.” The MOFCOM spokesperson warned that “appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot earn one respect.” A stark metaphor followed: “Pursuing short-term, self-serving interests by harming others... is akin to making a pact with the tiger for its skin—it will ultimately leave all parties empty-handed.”

The timing of the warning some political observers suggest is no coincidence. Vice President Vance, who arrived in New Delhi earlier Monday for his first official visit to India, is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the evening.

The bilateral discussions are expected to address defence ties, technology partnerships, and critically, trade cooperation including potential reductions in tariffs that have hindered two-way commerce. For India, which is walking a fine line between deepening its strategic embrace of the U.S. and managing a delicate, complex relationship with China, the statement out of Beijing adds a layer of geopolitical tension. India must be diplomatic while dealing with re US guests in the broader context of shifting global supply chains and the Indo-Pacific balance of power that are likely to be part of backchannel conversations. Beijing’s alarm may also stem from India’s growing alignment with Washington in multilateral forums like the Quad and IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework), where decoupling from Chinese supply chains and securing technology flows are key themes.

China’s warning is however, to all nations navigating Washington’s new tariff diplomacy. “Once international trade returns to the ‘law of the jungle,’ all countries will be reduced to victims,” the MOFCOM spokesperson said. “China is willing to join hands with all parties to resist unilateral bullying, safeguard legitimate rights, and defend international justice.” As the Vance visit unfolds, featuring both diplomatic and personal elements, including family visits to Jaipur and Agra, it will be interesting to observe not just the deliverables of India -US dialogue, but also how New Delhi responds to the growing contest between its two largest trading partners.