China Condemns Trump’s ‘Power Politics’ Approach

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a stark warning against the dangers of nationalism, cautioning that prioritizing self-interest above global cooperation could lead to instability. Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Wang criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, arguing that if all nations followed this approach, weaker countries would suffer, and international order would be disrupted.

Wang emphasized that a nation as influential as the U.S. should uphold its global responsibilities instead of using economic and political power to pressure other countries. His remarks coincided with heightened tensions between Beijing and Washington, particularly after the U.S. imposed additional tariffs on Chinese imports.

Tensions Over Tariffs and Trade

Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Chinese goods has only fueled the trade war, with Wang warning that such actions contradict the idea of fostering stable international relations. He dismissed the notion that a country could attempt to pressure China economically while still expecting strong diplomatic ties.

“No country should assume it can suppress China on one hand and maintain friendly relations on the other,” Wang said. He described such a strategy as unsustainable, adding that China remains committed to opposing political coercion and economic hegemony.

China’s Position on Global Conflicts

The discussion extended to global affairs, where Wang reaffirmed China’s stance on key conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. He emphasized that China maintains an “objective and impartial” perspective, supporting peace initiatives while rejecting Western claims that Beijing favors Russia.

In response to criticism regarding China’s relationship with Moscow, Chinese envoy Lu Shaye shifted attention to U.S. foreign policy. Lu claimed that rather than scrutinizing China’s ties with Russia, global leaders should first examine how Trump’s administration had directly influenced international instability.

While European nations have expressed concerns over China’s growing alignment with Russia, Wang portrayed Beijing as a force for stability. He argued that major powers should work together to resolve conflicts rather than exploiting tensions for geopolitical gains.

Criticism of U.S. Foreign Policy

Wang also took aim at Washington’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict, criticizing Trump’s controversial suggestion that the U.S. should take control of Gaza’s redevelopment. He stated that global powers should focus on securing a lasting ceasefire and supporting humanitarian aid, rather than imposing external governance on Palestine.

The broader message from Beijing was clear: China sees itself as a defender of international order against what it perceives as U.S. political maneuvering. As tensions between China and the U.S. continue to rise, Beijing is increasingly positioning itself as an alternative to Washington’s approach to global governance.