Donald Trump threatens new tariffs on China for trade with Iran. Beijing announces retaliation
Iran has already been a flashpoint in US-China relations. During Donald Trump's first term, Washington tightened sanctions against Tehran, and the Chinese company Huawei, accused of selling technology to Iran, was also targeted..
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The situation escalated in 2018 when Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested in Canada at the request of the US. The hostage crisis that broke out after this event left lasting traces in the relations between the two powers.
Trump's current actions may once again shake up U.S.-China trade relations. According to experts whose opinion is quoted by Reuters, nimposing additional tariffs on China, which was already burdened with tariffs of 57.5%, could raise these rates to over 70%.
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Wu Xinbo, dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University, said that Beijing would not remain passive in the face of such actions.
— China will retaliate and Trump will be punished – he said.
China warns Donald Trump against escalation
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Donald Trump's threats by emphasizing that Beijing will defend its interests.
— China's position on tariffs is very clear. There are no winners in a tariff war. China will firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests said ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning during Tuesday's press briefing.
Washington's decision coincided with reports of brutal suppression of protests in Iran and speculations about possible US military action against Tehran.
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Mao Ning emphasized that China opposes the use of force in international relations and supports stability in the region.
“We hope that all parties will work for peace and stability in the Middle East,” she added.
China limits trade with Iran but remains a key player
Although China is Iran's largest trading partner, their relationship is not as close as it may seem. According to Chinese customs offices, Beijing has significantly restricted imports from Iran in recent years.
In the first 11 months of last year, China's purchases of Iranian goods amounted to only $2.9 billion, a huge drop from the record high of $21 billion. in 2018 The reasons for this include, among others: Chinese companies' fears of sanctions from the US.
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— China and Iran are not as close as is commonly believed, said an anonymous expert from Beijing who advises the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on matters related to Iran.
