China Pledges to Safeguard Interests Following Tariff Threat from Trump Over Iran Trade
China Pledges to Safeguard Interests Following Tariff Threat from Trump Over Iran Trade
During a routine press briefing on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the recent statement made by Trump on Truth Social. Trump declared that any nation engaging in trade with Iran would be subjected to a 25 percent tariff on all trade dealings with the United States, with the tariffs taking effect immediately.
A spokesperson, Mao, stated, “We have consistently maintained that there are no victors in a tariff war, and China is determined to protect its legitimate rights and interests.”
In response to inquiries about guidance for Chinese nationals planning to visit Iran for tourism, a Chinese diplomat emphasized that Beijing is “closely monitoring the development of the situation.”
She affirmed that all necessary measures would be implemented to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens.
Trump’s tariff announcement coincides with the inability of US-Israeli-supported demonstrators to disrupt economic protests within Iran.
Trump did not specify the nations that might be impacted or the method of implementation for the tariffs. Nonetheless, analysts pointed to China as the most likely target of the measure, considering the substantial size of its annual trade with the Islamic Republic.
Iran counts the United Arab Emirates and India among its trading partners.
In recent weeks, shopkeepers in various Iranian cities organized peaceful protests addressing economic challenges. However, these demonstrations escalated into violence following public statements from US and Israeli figures. These statements, further amplified by Persian-language outlets associated with Israel, reportedly incited acts of vandalism and disorder.
Authorities have recognized the validity of the economic grievances and have pledged to address these issues. They have also condemned foreign-backed groups for taking advantage of public livelihood concerns, issues directly tied to unilateral US sanctions impacting Iran’s central bank and oil exports.
