‘Threats not the right way:’ China’s Ambassador to Türkiye slams Trump tariffs

China’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Jiang Xuebin, criticized the U.S. protectionist trade policies that took effect after President Trump’s accession, arguing that such measures contradict global economic trends and hinder innovation.

Speaking at the global dialogue event “Spring in China: Sharing China’s Opportunities with the World,” organized by the Middle East Studies Center (ORSAM) and China Media Group (CMG) in Ankara on March 14, he warned that isolating trade policies would ultimately backfire.

Jiang asserted that tariff, trade, and technology wars are unsustainable and defy economic principles, stating that attempts to sever ties and disrupt supply chains would lead to self-isolation rather than economic strength. “Pressure, coercion, and threats are not the right ways to engage with China,” Jiang said.

Instead, he noted that the trade war had accelerated China’s efforts to develop a new economic model focused on domestic demand, while technology restrictions had pushed the country to achieve major innovations.

‘China’s tariff rates among lowest globally’

Jiang highlighted China’s commitment to economic openness, pointing out that its average tariff rate has dropped to 7.3%, making it one of the lowest worldwide.

He stressed that all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector had been removed, and the Belt and Road Initiative ─China’s global infrastructure and economic development project aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe, was progressing with large-scale infrastructure and public benefit projects.

“We are committed to creating a more favorable business environment,” he said, adding that China would continue easing market access and expanding economic cooperation.

Call for cooperation to promote a fair system

Jiang, who is set to present his credentials to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, emphasized the significance of 2024 as the 15th anniversary of China-Türkiye strategic relations.

Urging both countries to take a broader perspective on assessing opportunities, Jiang reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Türkiye’s development path, in line with their bilateral agreements.

“At this new starting point, both sides should assess opportunities from a broader perspective and continue to support each other’s development paths in line with their respective national conditions, following the consensus reached by our leaders,” he emphasized.

He also underscored China’s willingness to work alongside Türkiye on global platforms such as the United Nations and G20 to counter-hegemony and promote a fair global governance system.

China’s economy contributes 30% to global growth

Discussing China’s economic performance in 2024, Jiang noted that gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5% year-over-year, reaching 134.9 trillion yuan (approximately $18.5 trillion). He stated that China’s growth rate ranks among the highest globally and contributes nearly 30% to global economic expansion.

Jiang further highlighted that China’s total trade volume had reached record levels, with foreign exchange reserves surpassing $3.2 trillion. The country remains the world’s largest manufacturing hub, leading to goods trade and foreign exchange reserves while ranking second in service trade.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in China’s ability to sustain 5% annual growth in 2025, affirming that the country has the “confidence, capability, and conditions” to achieve this target.