China Urges U.S. to Abandon Excessive Use of National Security Concept in Diplomatic Relations

China has called on the United States to refrain from the broad application of national security as a rationale in trade matters, urging Washington to work collaboratively with international partners in supporting a rules-based multilateral trading system. This appeal comes in response to the recent U.S. decision to increase tariffs on steel, aluminum, and associated products from 25 percent to 50 percent, a move Chinese officials warn could have far-reaching consequences.

He Yongqian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, addressed the issue at a regular press conference, emphasizing that such actions by the United States not only harm the interests of others but also adversely affect its own economy. He cautioned that these increased tariffs risk causing severe disruption to the stability of global industrial and supply chains, which depend on predictable and open trade flows.

The spokesperson appealed for a shift away from a "zero-sum mentality" and advocated for addressing concerns through equal dialogue. “We must work together to maintain the stability of the global supply chain,” he stated, underlining the importance of continued communication between major economies to avoid escalation and uncertainty in international markets.

In response to additional trade restrictions imposed after the China-U.S. economic and trade talks held in Geneva in May, He Yongqian noted that China had faithfully implemented its obligations and honored agreements made during discussions. However, he accused the U.S. of undermining recent consensus by introducing a series of new restrictions that “grossly harm” China’s legitimate rights and interests. He expressed China’s strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to these restrictions, demanding their immediate cessation.

He reiterated that should the United States persist in its current course, China would take firm and effective measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests. He also underscored China’s longstanding position against the U.S. Section 301 tariffs, stressing that the financial burden of these measures ultimately falls on American businesses and consumers.

The spokesperson concluded by urging the United States to completely revoke Section 301 tariffs and all related trade restrictions targeting China, calling this essential for fostering the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations. The ongoing dispute underscores the complex and high-stakes nature of the economic relationship between the world’s two largest economies, with potential repercussions extending well beyond their borders.