In a sharp rebuke to U.S. President Donald Trump's provocative proposal to slap 50-100% tariffs on Chinese goods through NATO, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized Beijing's commitment to peace and diplomacy. Speaking at a press conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on Saturday, following a meeting with Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, Wang Yi underscored that wars and sanctions only exacerbate global issues. "China does not participate in or plan wars," he stated, as reported by China Daily. Instead, China advocates for dialogue and political resolutions to global conflicts.

Wang Yi's remarks come amid escalating tensions following Trump's call for NATO to impose hefty tariffs on China, which he linked to ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed, "China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia, and these powerful tariffs will break that grip." He suggested the tariffs could pressure China to influence Russia, thereby resolving the ongoing war. The proposal has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it risks further straining U.S.-China relations and destabilizing global trade.

Highlighting the chaotic international landscape marked by persistent conflicts, Wang Yi called for stronger multilateralism and urged adherence to the UN Charter's principles. He emphasized that China and Europe should foster cooperation, not confrontation, stating, "China and Europe should be friends rather than rivals... Making the right choices amid the greatest changes in a century demonstrates the responsibilities that both sides should fulfill towards history and the people," as quoted by Global Times.

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The Chinese foreign minister's comments also follow Trump's accusation that Chinese President Xi Jinping was "conspiring against" the U.S., a claim made shortly after China's massive military parade on September 3, attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite the accusation, Trump later described his personal ties with Chinese leadership as "very good," adding complexity to the diplomatic spat.

Analysts warn that Trump's tariff proposal, if implemented, could disrupt global supply chains and escalate economic tensions between the world's two largest economies. China's response signals its intent to resist external pressure while promoting a narrative of peace and multilateral cooperation. As the U.S. heads into a politically charged period, the tariff threat looms as a potential flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, with implications for global stability.

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