China’s ambassador to Türkiye slams Trump tariffs, warns there will be no winners

China’s Ambassador to Türkiye Jiang Xuebin urged the United States to cancel its unilateral tariff measures and resolve trade disputes through equal dialogue, adding that China “will take countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests.”

“Pressure, coercion, or threats are not the right way to build relations with China,” Jiang said in an interview on Friday. “Tariff wars and trade wars contradict historical trends and economic principles, and there will be no winners.”

According to a decree signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, a new 34% tariff will be added to the previously announced duties on Chinese goods. Combined with an earlier 20% tariff introduced this year, the total tariff burden on Chinese products is expected to reach 54%. The measures will be implemented in two phases, beginning on April 5 and April 9.

Meanwhile, China also announced countermeasures on Friday, responding to Trump’s tariffs with an equivalent 34% levy on U.S. imports.

‘China firmly supports Türkiye’s sovereignty and interests’

On bilateral relations with Türkiye, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed China’s support for Türkiye’s independent development path and efforts to protect its sovereignty, security, and national interests.

“China steadfastly supports Türkiye’s pursuit of an independent and sovereign development path,” he said. “We also appreciate Türkiye’s understanding and support regarding China’s core interests, including sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.”

Jiang stressed the importance of continued mutual support and strengthening the political foundations of bilateral ties. He also called for deepening practical cooperation, particularly by aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Türkiye’s Middle Corridor project.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $48.3 billion in 2023, making China Türkiye’s second-largest trading partner. Jiang emphasized the role of the China-Türkiye Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee in aligning development strategies, expanding cooperation, and exploring new opportunities.

“China and Türkiye, both members of the G20 and emerging markets, share common or similar views on many regional and global issues,” Jiang said. He also called for greater strategic communication and closer coordination in platforms such as the United Nations to strengthen global supply chains and promote a fairer system of global governance.

‘Accelerating talks on Türkiye’s third nuclear power plant’

Describing Türkiye as a strategically located country with a free-market economy, advanced infrastructure, and a growing investment appeal, Jiang noted that the country’s economic momentum continues, supported by easing inflation and increased investor interest from China.

He highlighted growing bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, pointing to the Lake Tuz Underground Natural Gas Storage Expansion Project, where core components led by a Chinese firm have been completed.

On nuclear energy, Jiang said that both sides are accelerating talks on the construction of Türkiye’s third nuclear power plant, planned in the Thrace region.

“We encourage and support the participation of Chinese companies in Türkiye’s energy transition and green development,” he said, adding that China hopes the Turkish government will provide a fairer and more business-friendly environment for Chinese investors.

Türkiye aims to boost its nuclear power capacity to 20,000 megawatts by 2035 through a mix of large-scale plants and small modular reactors (SMRs). The first plant in Akkuyu, Mersin, is under construction, with initial electricity production from Unit 1 expected this year. The second plant is planned for Sinop, with ongoing discussions involving South Korea and Russia. The third, currently under negotiation with China, is planned for Thrace.