China Asserts Moral High Ground Amid Intensifying US Trade Conflict

China has reaffirmed its stance in the ongoing trade conflict with the United States, declaring that it stands "on the right side of history" amid escalating tariff exchanges between the two global powers.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Monday, Zhao Chenxin, a top official at China's National Development and Reform Commission, emphasized China's commitment to working with the international community despite growing tensions with Washington.

“We firmly believe that isolating oneself by going against the world and the truth will lead nowhere. Only by moving in step with the world and upholding morality can we secure the future,” Zhao stated.

The comments come as China and the United States continue their bitter trade standoff. Since returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump has imposed a 145% tariff on selected Chinese goods, along with a 10% tariff on imports from most other trading partners. In response, China retaliated with its own 125% tariffs on US goods.

Zhao criticized what he described as Washington’s “bullying” and “unilateralism,” accusing the US of reneging on agreements and manipulating global trade rules for strategic advantage.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the administration's aggressive tariff strategy during an appearance on Sunday, arguing that the uncertainty introduced by the tariffs serves to strengthen Washington's negotiating position. A 90-day window, set to close in July, remains for countries to reach bilateral deals with the United States to avoid higher, country-specific tariffs.

Despite reports suggesting ongoing discussions, Beijing denied that trade talks with Washington are currently active and pledged to resist pressure in what it described as a “trade war to the finish.”

At the same time, Chinese officials acknowledged the strain that the global economic environment—and the US tariff hikes in particular—have placed on China's export-driven economy.

“External pressures are mounting,” noted Yu Jiadong of China’s Ministry of Labor. “The successive imposition of high tariffs by the United States has created operational challenges for some export-oriented companies and impacted employment for certain workers.”

As the standoff continues, both sides appear entrenched, with broader implications for global markets and international trade relations.