China rejects Trump’s 100% tariff threat, emphasizes peace and dialogue

In response to Trump’s Sep 14 post urging NATO countries to halt Russian oil imports and impose up to 100% tariffs on China, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking in Ljubljana, Slovenia, stated that China does not participate in or plan wars.

He emphasized that “wars cannot solve problems” and that sanctions would only complicate international relations.

Wang highlighted the importance of dialogue, political settlements, and multilateralism, stressing that China remains a responsible global actor.

“China and Europe should be friends, not rivals,” he said, advocating cooperation over confrontation and calling for strengthened international mechanisms aligned with the UN Charter.

Trump’s post criticized NATO members for continuing to purchase Russian oil and signaled US readiness to impose major sanctions on Russia once alliance members aligned on the issue.

The president framed China’s energy purchases from Russia as strengthening Moscow and weakening collective negotiation efforts.

Wang Yi’s remarks signal China’s firm stance against unilateral pressure while reaffirming its commitment to global peace and diplomatic solutions.

Analysts note that this exchange reflects the growing tension between Washington and Beijing over energy trade, sanctions, and geopolitical alignments in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.