China has issued a stark warning to nations considering trade deals with the US that harm Chinese interests, vowing retaliation as the escalating US-China trade war threatens to pull in dozens of countries. The warning follows reports that Washington is offering tariff exemptions in exchange for commitments to restrict trade with China.

A spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry declared that “compromise cannot earn one respect,” pledging countermeasures if any nation trades away China’s interests. The statement echoes recent state media editorials urging the EU and others not to appease the US.

Since returning to office, US President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs, including up to 145% on Chinese imports. China has responded with duties as high as 125% on US goods and promised to “fight to the end.” Meanwhile, countries like Japan, South Korea, India, and the UK have begun or are preparing for tariff negotiations with the US, amid concerns over economic fallout and geopolitical pressure.

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