China has blasted the United States over what it terms “new economic and trade frictions,” specifically criticizing new AI chip export controls and plans to revoke Chinese student visas. Beijing alleges these actions violate a recent tariff truce, threatening to undermine the fragile agreement and reignite trade tensions. This highlights the persistent strategic competition between the two nations.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry issued a statement emphasizing that the U.S. actions “seriously violate the consensus” established to de-escalate tariffs and restart trade. This agreement, initially hailed as a significant step towards resolving the protracted trade dispute, now faces considerable headwinds as fundamental disagreements resurface between the two global powers.
China claims it has honored its commitments by canceling or suspending retaliatory tariffs and non-tariff measures. Conversely, Beijing accuses the U.S. of “unilaterally provok[ing] new economic and trade frictions.” The ministry’s warning of “resolute and forceful measures” to protect its “legitimate rights and interests” indicates a potential for further escalation, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-China trade.