In a fiery rebuke that’s escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies, China has lashed out at the “extreme selfishness” behind the steep tariffs imposed by the United States, calling the ongoing trade conflict an “unjustified trade war.” The sharp criticism came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during talks with his Uzbek counterpart, where he accused “certain countries” – clearly pointing at the US – of resorting to “pressure and coercion” that only damages their global credibility.
This latest salvo comes amid a swirl of conflicting narratives. While US President Donald Trump claimed he had recently spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping, suggesting a thaw in talks, Beijing has flatly denied any ongoing trade negotiations or consultations. China’s Commerce Ministry and its US embassy reiterated that no dialogue on tariffs is taking place, dismissing US claims as “misleading” and insisting the trade war was “initiated by the US side.” The stark contradictions highlight the deep mistrust and diplomatic chess game underpinning this tit-for-tat tariff battle, which has seen US duties on Chinese goods soar to a staggering 145% on numerous items. China’s demand is clear: the US must “correct its mistakes,” stop the threats and unilateral tariff measures, and only then can meaningful dialogue resume.
For India and other emerging economies watching closely, this trade war is a cautionary tale. America’s aggressive tariff strategy, branded as “extreme selfishness” by China, risks fragmenting global supply chains and slowing down international trade growth. While the US aims to protect its industries, the retaliatory tariffs and countermeasures could backfire, hurting consumers and businesses worldwide.In the end, China’s blunt condemnation is a reminder that trade wars don’t just punish the targeted nation – they threaten the entire global economy. The question remains: will the US heed the call to de-escalate, or will it continue down a path of “extreme selfishness” that could isolate it on the world stage? For India, the stakes are high, and the time to strengthen its own trade resilience has never been more urgent.