On 24 April 2025, Chinese Ambassador to the UK Zheng Zeguang attended the Tianjin Investment Environment Promotion Conference in London. In his keynote speech, Ambassador Zheng stated China’s firm stance regarding the US’ arbitrary tariff hikes on China and other countries and regions.
Ambassador Zheng said that recently, the US has imposed the so-called reciprocal tariffs on nearly all its trading partners, China and the UK included. This is in flagrant violation of WTO rules, and a reckless act of unilateralism, protectionism and trade bullying. It has dealt a devastating blow to the multilateral trading system and the global economy, seriously undermining the legitimate interests of all countries. The US is simply trying to turn back the clock and bring back the dark age when the law of the jungle prevailed. Now, people around the world are seeing more clearly which country is the disruptor of the international order and a saboteur of the multilateral system.
Ambassador Zheng pointed out that in the face of the US’ irrational act, China has stated its firm opposition and taken necessary countermeasures. China has done so for its national interests and more importantly, for the multilateral trading system and for international justice. Over the past few days, there have been confusing signals coming out of Washington. They have continued to exert maximum pressure and claimed to impose tariffs as high as 3500% on some Asian countries. At the same time, they have said they will reduce tariffs on China substantially. The gimmick here is trying to mitigate their self-inflicted losses and influence the capital market.
Ambassador Zheng noted that China has said from day one that tariff and trade wars have no winners. China does not look for a war, but neither is China afraid of it. We will fight, if we must. Our doors remain open, if the US wants to talk. But at the moment, there is no negotiation on tariffs happening between China and the US. If the US is serious about a negotiated solution, it should stop all its maximum pressure and threatening and blackmailing. Any dialogue should be based on equality, respect and mutual benefit.
Ambassador Zheng emphasised that at this critical juncture, the international community needs to show solidarity and act together against unilateralism and trade bullying. Much is at stake here, not only the economy of every country, but also the global trading system. Appeasement or caving in will simply invite more trouble and embolden the bully. Only firm opposition will convince the US to change its current course. On this major issue of principle, it is hoped that the UK, with its long tradition of championing free and open trade, will stay on the right side of history, on the side of multilateralism, and on the side of the majority of the international community.
