China\u2019s Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the necessity of Beijing\u2019s retaliatory tariffs against U.S. trade policies during the sixth China-Central Asia Foreign Ministers\u2019 Meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan, framing the measures as a defense of international fairness and multilateral cooperation.
\u201cChina\u2019s counter-tariff measures are not only about protecting our legitimate rights but also safeguarding the principles of justice and global economic stability,\u201d Wang stated. The veteran diplomat criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump\u2019s unilateral tariffs, arguing they violated World Trade Organization rules and disrupted the \u201crules-based system critical for shared prosperity.\u201d
As a cornerstone of China\u2019s foreign policy, Wang reiterated Beijing\u2019s commitment to high-level opening-up and deepening partnerships with Central Asian nations. \u201cNo matter how the global landscape evolves, China will remain a stabilizing force, creating opportunities through cooperation and upholding its international responsibilities,\u201d he affirmed.
The remarks align with China\u2019s broader strategy to position itself as a defender of multilateralism amid rising geopolitical tensions. Analysts suggest the countermeasures reflect balancing acts between protecting domestic industries and maintaining open engagement with global markets.
The meeting also highlighted strengthened economic collaboration between China and Central Asian countries, with Wang underscoring initiatives to stabilize supply chains and enhance infrastructure connectivity under the Belt and Road framework.
