Ljubljana: China has sharply rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s weekend proposal for NATO to slap punitive tariffs on Beijing, insisting that it is a force for peace rather than conflict.
Speaking at a press conference in Slovenia after talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored Beijing’s longstanding position that diplomacy and dialogue not sanctions or military measures are the only sustainable pathways to global security.
In a clear rebuttal to Trump’s statements, Wang said: “China does not participate in or plan wars. What China does is to encourage peace talks and promote political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue.” He stressed that sanctions and pressure campaigns only deepen global instability.
Wang’s remarks came shortly after Trump used his Truth Social platform to call for NATO to impose tariffs ranging from 50% to 100% on Chinese goods, to be lifted only once the Russia-Ukraine conflict ends. Trump argued that China holds “a strong control, and even grip, over Russia,” and that punitive tariffs would break Moscow’s reliance on Beijing.
Wang Yi also urged the global community particularly Europe to reinforce multilateral institutions and the UN Charter. He cautioned that the world is facing “intertwined chaos and continuous conflicts,” requiring stronger mechanisms for cooperation rather than confrontation.
“China and Europe should be friends rather than rivals,” he said. “Making the right choices amid the greatest changes in a century demonstrates the responsibilities both sides must fulfill toward history and the people.”
His appeal appeared tailored to European concerns, as EU member states face pressure from Washington to align with U.S. strategies against Beijing, particularly on trade and security.
The confrontation follows a string of remarks by Trump targeting Beijing. Just hours before proposing tariffs, he accused Chinese President Xi Jinping of “conspiring against America.” The claim was made in the shadow of China’s largest military parade on September 3, which was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump also sought to soften his stance by adding that his personal relationship with China’s leadership remained “very good.” Analysts note this dual approach pressure mixed with personal diplomacy has long been a feature of Trump’s foreign policy style.
Trump’s proposal to involve NATO in economic sanctions against China is unprecedented, as the alliance has historically confined itself to military cooperation rather than coordinated trade measures. If taken seriously, the move could expand NATO’s scope into economic warfare, raising questions among European allies about overstretch and strategic priorities.
China, meanwhile, continues to frame itself as a stabilizing force, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where it has positioned itself as a potential mediator while maintaining strong energy ties with Moscow. Wang Yi’s comments in Ljubljana reaffirm that Beijing sees dialogue, not coercion, as its main diplomatic currency.
The war of words between Trump and Beijing underscores growing strains in U.S.-China relations just months into his new administration. Whether NATO members would endorse such sweeping tariff measures remains doubtful, but the rhetoric alone signals heightened tensions.
For China, the message was clear: it wants to be seen not as a belligerent, but as a global advocate for peace and multilateral cooperation. Yet, with Washington framing economic measures as tools of deterrence, both sides seem locked into a cycle of confrontation with Europe caught in the middle of balancing security alliances and economic interdependence.