China’s top diplomat has accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of a hypocritical stance toward China, criticizing him for imposing tariffs while simultaneously expressing admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping. Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at a high-profile briefing on the sidelines of China’s National People’s Congress, also condemned Trump’s use of the fentanyl issue to pressure Beijing and labeled the imposition of tariffs as “evil.”
Wang’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies, with both sides showing no signs of renewing trade negotiations. While Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to speak with Xi, the two leaders have yet to engage in direct dialogue since Trump took office, despite prior signals from the U.S. that discussions might occur.
Speaking forcefully on the matter, Wang rejected the notion that the U.S. could suppress China and maintain positive relations at the same time, arguing that Trump’s rhetoric and policies have undermined the stability of bilateral relations. He emphasized that the U.S. should not “return good with evil” and should stop imposing arbitrary tariffs on Chinese products. Wang’s comments underscore the growing frustration within China over the lack of meaningful communication and the escalating trade war, as Trump recently raised tariffs once again on Chinese goods.
Wang’s statement represents a shift from China’s previous, more restrained diplomatic responses, indicating growing impatience with the current state of affairs. In contrast to the combative rhetoric of the earlier trade conflict, Chinese officials have generally opted for more targeted actions and measured language. However, without meaningful talks, tensions are likely to continue rising.
As the trade war continues, the question of whether negotiations will resume remains uncertain. Although Trump expressed a desire to speak with Xi before his latest tariff hikes, no talks have materialized. Meanwhile, China’s commerce chief revealed that he sent a letter to his U.S. counterpart last month, urging the reopening of communication channels.
In his remarks, Wang sought to position China as a stabilizing force in a turbulent global landscape, especially in light of the U.S.’s unpredictable foreign policies. He contrasted China’s steadying influence with Trump’s controversial relationships with leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin and his retreat from supporting Ukraine. Wang’s rhetoric sought to portray China as committed to a stable, UN-centered world order, at a time when Trump’s foreign policies have raised questions among U.S. allies in Europe.
Although Wang reiterated China’s commitment to peace talks regarding Ukraine, he stopped short of confirming whether China would send peacekeeping troops, instead reaffirming the strength of Beijing’s relationship with Moscow. “The China-Russia friendship will not change,” Wang declared, signaling Beijing’s continued alignment with Moscow despite global tensions.
Turning to China’s domestic strength, Wang highlighted the nation’s economic resilience and technological advancements, including breakthroughs in artificial intelligence. He questioned the effectiveness of Trump’s trade wars, asking whether U.S. tariffs had improved the U.S. economy or the lives of its citizens, pointing out that the U.S. trade deficit had only widened under Trump’s policies.
Wang also emphasized China’s stance on Taiwan, asserting that the reunification of the island with the mainland is “unstoppable.” He condemned Japan’s growing support for Taiwan, reinforcing China’s position on the matter.
The diplomatic tension between the U.S. and China remains high, with no clear resolution in sight, while both sides continue to scrutinize each other’s policies and moves on the global stage.
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