At the recent Munich Security Conference held in Germany, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi took on a notably calmer approach regarding relations with the United States compared to the more confrontational stance his ministry had shown earlier in the week.
Addressing a high-profile press gathering in Beijing on Friday, Wang expressed that arbitrary tariffs should not be part of U.S. policy and stressed that both countries, being major players on the global stage, should strive for “peaceful coexistence.” He conveyed the belief that given their shared interests and potential for widespread cooperation, China and the U.S. could benefit by working together toward mutual success.
During the nearly 90-minute exchange with reporters, Wang largely focused on China’s ongoing efforts to foster better relations worldwide, particularly highlighting the country’s support for non-Western nations’ interests. As head of the office for foreign affairs within China’s central commission of the Communist Party, Wang holds the position of the country’s top diplomat. His remarks were delivered during China’s annual parliamentary sessions, commonly referred to as the “Two Sessions.”
These comments from Wang came shortly after China countered former U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalated trade tariffs. On Wednesday, the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. issued a stern statement on X, declaring, “If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other form, we’re ready to fight till the end.”
The already tense U.S.-China dynamics were further strained as Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports earlier this week. In retaliation, Beijing levied targeted duties on American agricultural products and imposed restrictions affecting several U.S. firms. Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao mentioned on Thursday that Beijing was open to engaging in discussions with the U.S. over trade issues.
Shifting the focus to international conflicts, Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s intention to play a constructive role in the pursuit of lasting peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, all while maintaining a steady friendship with Moscow. He also advocated for progress towards a two-state solution in Gaza, expressing that the current situation marks only a midpoint in the quest for resolution.
In his remarks, Wang highlighted that despite facing “unjustified external suppression,” China’s technological progress remains unhindered, and he positioned China as willing to share its technological advancements globally. Notably, the newly unveiled government budget for this year outlines an 8.4% increase in spending on diplomatic efforts, up from a 6.6% rise the previous year.
