Recently, the United States has imposed so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on all its trading partners, including China. This is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. It seriously violates the legitimate rights and interests of other countries, undermines the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), erodes the rules-based multilateral trading system, and disrupts the stability of the global economic order. There are no winners in trade wars—protectionism leads only to a dead end. These unilateral policies and bullying actions by the United States run counter to the global trend and have drawn widespread concern and opposition from the international community. I would like to share a few perspectives on this issue.

1. Question: The United States has criticized China for maintaining a large trade surplus through economic manipulation, which it claims damages the balance of the world economy. What is your response to the accusation of "China’s unfair trade"?

Answer: Trade surpluses and deficits are natural outcomes of international commerce and do not inherently signify who benefits or suffers. This is a basic economic reality. Modern international trade is based on comparative advantage and mutual cooperation—it is not a zero-sum game. The trade deficit between China and the United States stems from structural issues within the U.S. economy, as well as the comparative advantages of both countries and the international division of labor. It is also influenced by statistical methods. The U.S. fixation on the trade deficit in goods distorts the broader context of China-U.S. economic relations, which are fundamentally mutually beneficial.

The trade volume between our two nations has grown from less than USD 2.5 billion at the start of diplomatic relations in 1979 to nearly USD 688.3 billion in 2024, reflecting deep economic integration and strong complementarities. China’s manufacturing sector supplies American consumers with affordable, high-quality goods, while also supporting employment in U.S. logistics, retail, and e-commerce sectors. China does not pursue a trade surplus intentionally. In fact, many U.S. companies operating in China contribute to what is counted as China’s export surplus, while the U.S. enjoys a substantial surplus in services trade.

2. Question: European leaders have also voiced criticism of the U.S. actions, warning of negative global economic consequences, including for Europe. What is your view on this?

Answer: The U.S. has placed its own interests above the collective good of the international community, weaponizing tariffs to exert pressure and extract unilateral benefits. This behavior disrupts global industrial and supply chains, violates the principles of free trade, and undermines the existing international economic and trade order. It interferes with the development of other economies and hampers sustainable global growth. As a result, these measures have sparked widespread opposition—not only from China but also from the European Union, Canada, and others, who have responded with their own countermeasures.

Imposing tariffs will not reduce the U.S. trade deficit. On the contrary, it is a self-defeating move. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, over 90% of tariff costs are borne by U.S. importers, businesses, and ultimately, consumers. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has acknowledged that tariffs contribute to "higher inflation and slower growth." Financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase have raised their recession forecasts for the U.S. to 45% and 60%, respectively. History and data clearly show that tariff hikes not only fail to address domestic economic challenges but also trigger financial market volatility, raise inflationary pressures, erode the U.S. industrial base, and heighten recession risks.

3. Question: You mentioned that China has imposed counter-tariffs. Currently, the U.S. has levied tariffs of up to 145% on China, and China has responded with 125% in countermeasures. This seems likely to significantly restrict bilateral trade. What impact will this have on the Chinese economy?

Answer: The abuse of tariffs by the United States will inevitably have a short-term negative impact on China’s exports, adding pressure to the economy. However, it is important to emphasize that China is a super-large economy with strong resilience and the capacity to withstand external shocks. In recent years, we have actively pursued market diversification, and our reliance on the U.S. market has been decreasing. China’s exports to the United States declined from 19.2% in 2018 to 14.7% in 2024, accounting for only about 2% of China’s GDP. Therefore, the reduction in exports to the U.S. will not have a devastating effect on the broader economy.

In response to a new round of extreme pressure from the United States, China will take countermeasures to firmly safeguard our sovereignty, security, and development interests. At the same time, we are committed to doing our own work well and further unleashing the dynamism and vast potential of our domestic market. In the first quarter of 2024, China’s GDP and exports grew by 5.4% and 6.9% year-on-year, respectively, reflecting the intrinsic strength and robust resilience of the Chinese economy.

As President Xi Jinping has aptly stated, "The Chinese economy is an ocean, not a small pond." This ocean can endure storms and withstand the chilly waves of trade conflict. Ultimately, the world will bear witness to the enduring calm and strength of this ocean that “embraces all rivers.”

4. Question: Recently, President Trump stated that he hopes to reach a fair deal with China. What is your response, Madam Ambassador?

Answer: China is an ancient civilization rooted in integrity and justice. The Chinese people have long valued sincerity and good faith. We do not provoke conflict, but we are not afraid of it either. Pressure and threats are not the right approach to dealing with China.

This tariff war was unilaterally initiated by the United States. China's position has been consistent and clear: if there is a war, we will fight to the end; if there is room for dialogue, the door remains open. However, any dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity.

China-U.S. economic relations should serve the principles of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The United States should act in line with the shared aspirations of the people in both countries—and indeed the world. To protect the fundamental interests of both nations, the U.S. should abandon the use of tariffs as a coercive tool and stop undermining the legitimate rights of the Chinese people to pursue development.

5. Question: Given the current global situation, what role do you think China will play?

Answer: Not long ago, President Xi Jinping led a successful state visit to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. As a responsible major power, China has consistently spoken up in defense of free trade, against unilateralism and hegemonic behavior, and in favor of building a shared future for humanity. These positions have resonated strongly with many countries and have inspired unity and confidence in international cooperation.

President Xi has emphasized that “The sea of economic globalization brings benefits to all countries, and no country can remain an isolated island. A small boat cannot survive a fierce storm; only by working together can we sail steadily toward long-term goals.”

Today, China is the primary trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions. To walk with China is to walk with opportunity. For example, in the first quarter of 2024, trade between China and Albania reached approximately USD 275 million, a 28.91% increase year-on-year, reaffirming China’s position as Albania’s second-largest trading partner.

In the face of rising protectionism, China—now the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest goods consumer market—will steadfastly pursue high-standard opening-up. We will collaborate with other countries, including Albania, to uphold the multilateral trading system centered on the World Trade Organization. We will resist decoupling, supply chain disruption, and tariff bullying while promoting openness, inclusiveness, solidarity, and cooperation.

Together, we will work to build a multipolar, fair, and orderly world, and advance an inclusive form of economic globalization that benefits all.

*Ms. Pang Chunxue is the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Albania