…says policy provides opportunities for both countries
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has called on the international community to unite against United States unorthodox measures deployed to address its percieved trade deficits.
Dunhai described the hike in tariffs imposed on all trading partners as a step backward.
While noting that China will always defend itself against such a policy, the envoy noted that the impact has been devastating on the African economy.
The envoy, who briefed journalists in Abuja, warned that the issue should not been seen as trade war between the U.S and China but one between the US and the rest of the International community.
Donald Trump had slammed global tariff on all trading partners claiming that U.S had been cheated by partners leading to huge trade deficits.
Trump action has generated shock waves across the globe leading to currency devaluation and stock market volatility in Africa and other developing countries.
Dunhai explained that China does not like war either trade, tariff or conventional but it is not also intimidated by the U.S President’s latest bully attempt.
He therefore said his country is ever ready for negotiation with the U.S based on equality and under an enabling environment.
He said: “The U.S. tariff policies are particularly devastating for African nations. Using the absurd logic that “trade surpluses equate to cheating,” the U.S. has launched indiscriminate attacks on African countries, violating WTO principles of special treatment for developing nations. This has already caused “collateral damage” such as currency devaluation and stock market volatility in Africa. The growth momentum of major African economies will inevitably be affected, with some structurally vulnerable economies possibly suffering severe blows, undermining Africa’s industrialization and poverty reduction efforts.
“No country can stay immune in the face of bullying and coercion. Appeasement will only invite further aggression. The international community must unite and fight back to defend our shared interests. Today, opposing U.S. tariff abuse and bullying means upholding multilateralism and fairness and justice.”
He also added, “China does not provoke trouble, neither are we intimidated by it. As the Chinese saying goes, “To friends, we offer fine wines; to wolves, the hunting rifles.” Pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China. China has taken and will continue to take firm measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests. If a fight is forced upon us, China will fight to the end. If talks are sought, China’s door remains open—but only on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”
The envoy explaied, “The U.S. actions severely infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of other countries, blatantly violate WTO rules, seriously undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system, and destabilize the global economic order. By doing so, the U.S. also defies basic economic principles and market rules, ignoring the fact that it has long profited immensely from international trade. Using tariffs as a weapon for maximum pressure and self-interest is a typical manifestation of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. This is neither “reciprocal” nor “fair”—it is essentially about pursuing “America First” and “American exceptionalism.”
He added, “In this imposed tariff war, China stands on the right side of history and the side of fairness and justice. We have the confidence and resolve to defeat all threats and blackmail. Domestically, we have the unwavering support of our people, a vast market of 1.4 billion consumers, and a comprehensive industrial chain. China’s economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter. Over the past decades, China has contributed around 30% to global economic growth, serving as a vital engine for the world economy.
“As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer market, no matter how the international landscape changes, China’s door will only open wider. We will continue to advance high-level opening-up, implement liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. We will foster a first-class market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment. And we will share our development opportunities with the world to achieve mutual benefits.
“It must be emphasised that China’s resolute stance against power bullying is not only to defend its own legitimate rights but also to uphold the common interests of the international community and prevent the world from regressing to a law-of-the-jungle era. China’s firm countermeasures have won the other nations a 90-day window, mitigating the impact of U.S. tariffs on global supply chains, creating space for dialogue and negotiation, and curbing the unchecked spread of trade protectionism,” he added.
He also stressed, “For China, we don’t want to have any wars, either treaty wars, tariff wars, trade wars, anything with any other country. Because throughout China’s history, China is a peace-loving country.
“We don’t believe in wars. We don’t believe in conquering. We don’t believe in expansionism.
“We want to live peacefully with all the other countries in this globe. And this tariff war, this trade war, was initiated by the U.S. So we stand up to defend our national interests and the nation and other countries.
“China would like to resolve this through dialogue, through negotiation, through consultation. But there are some basic requirements. For instance, we have to respect each other. We have to negotiate on an equal basis. We couldn’t just bring the other one down to an easy, but you have to agree this. Otherwise, I have a gun against your head.
“So we believe that we have to come to the negotiating table on equal terms. And I believe that it is the U.S. that launched this tariff war against the whole world. I believe it is the U.S. that is beginning to take the initiative to take back this war.”
The envoy also noted that the current trade tariff crisis provides opportunities for China- Nigeria cooperation.
He explained that the relations between both countries are built on mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation.
He therefore said China is prepared to ensure tye full implementation of the agreements signed between both countries.
He added: “African nations are committed to development and revitalization, which requires a free, open multilateral trading system and a stable, predictable global environment. History has shown that China is a reliable partner for Africa—trustworthy, mature, and steadfast. China’s development and commitment to high-level openness will bring much-needed stability to an increasingly uncertain world.
At last year’s FOCAC Beijing Summit, China pledged to unilaterally expand market access, granting zero-tariff treatment to 100% of product categories for all least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, including 33 African nations. This demonstrates China’s concrete efforts to turn its vast market into tangible opportunities for Africa.
“China and Nigeria are key trade partners, with bilateral trade consistently reaching around $22 billion—among the highest in Africa. Following last year’s agreement on Nigerian peanut exports to China, China remains open to further expanding imports of Nigerian goods, signaling broad prospects for future economic cooperation.
“As Africa’s most populous country, a major economy, and a leading voice of the Global South, Nigeria holds significant influence. China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit and the consensus between our leaders, deepening mutually beneficial collaboration. Together, we will uphold the multilateral trading system, resist protectionism, and foster an open, inclusive, and fair international environment. Our shared goal is to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, building a community with a shared future for humanity.”
