China has issued a firm warning to nations engaging in trade negotiations with the United States, cautioning them against making deals that compromise Chinese interests. The statement comes amidst escalating trade tensions following a new round of U.S. tariffs targeting Chinese imports and diplomatic maneuvering by Washington with key trade partners.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce criticized the U.S. for what it described as coercive trade tactics, stating that China will “firmly oppose any party striking a deal at China’s expense.” It accused Washington of using the pretext of tariff equivalence to pressure other countries into choosing between the U.S. and China in trade arrangements. The ministry warned that China is ready to respond with reciprocal countermeasures to protect its economic sovereignty.

Tensions have intensified since the U.S. administration raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145 percent. China retaliated with its own set of increased duties, imposing 125 percent tariffs on American imports. While the U.S. has granted temporary exemptions to some countries, it has continued its hardline approach toward China, prompting global concerns over a prolonged trade conflict.

One of the ripple effects of the trade war has been a surge in global commodity prices. Gold soared to an all-time high of $3,384 per ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid fears of economic disruption. Analysts also pointed to the weakening U.S. dollar as a contributing factor.

Industries are already feeling the impact. Boeing, one of the U.S. companies closely linked to trade with China, has begun redirecting aircraft away from Chinese completion centers. A second Boeing 737 MAX jet, originally designated for a Chinese airline, is returning to the United States from Zhoushan, signaling a potential slowdown in aviation cooperation.

China’s state-run shipping conglomerate Cosco Shipping has also voiced strong objections to new U.S. port-related fees and regulatory barriers, arguing that such measures damage fair competition and disrupt international logistics operations.

In the diplomatic arena, China’s Ambassador to the United States, Xie Feng, has urged Washington to pursue a path of peaceful coexistence and mutual economic benefit. He reiterated Beijing’s preference for negotiation and dialogue, but affirmed that China is prepared to retaliate if necessary. Drawing from historical parallels, Xie warned that aggressive tariffs could harm global economic growth and trigger long-term instability.

China has called on the U.S. to meet halfway and engage in constructive discussions to resolve trade disagreements. However, U.S. officials remain in talks with countries like Japan and Taiwan, reportedly exploring new economic frameworks that exclude China from key supply chains and markets.

As the global economy braces for the continued fallout, both economic analysts and governments are watching developments closely, concerned about how the world's two largest economies will navigate this critical juncture in their trade relationship.