China, ASEAN should unite vs US economic bullying – Chinese envoy
Metro Manila, Philippines – Southeast Asian nations should take a united stand against the United States’ imposition of reciprocal tariffs, Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said on Wednesday, April 16.
Speaking at a media briefing, Huang said the regional bloc and China must work together to cushion the impact of what Beijing describes as Washington’s “protectionism” and “economic bullying.”
“ASEAN is the largest trading partner of China. China is [the] largest trading partner of all ASEAN member states. We have big stakes in [a] free, fair international trading system,” said Huang.
“We believe [it] is very important for ASEAN country to be united in responding to such challenge. And it’s also important for China ASEAN to work together, to jointly,” he added.
The statement comes amid escalating trade tensions following US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose the highest tariffs the US has levied in more than a century—raising levies on Chinese imports to 145%. In retaliation, Beijing slapped a 125% tariff on American goods entering China.
ASEAN member states have been caught in the crossfire, facing reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to as high as 49%.
Despite this, ASEAN economic ministers reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment not to retaliate against the US measures. Acknowledging the US as ASEAN’s largest source of foreign investment and second-largest trading partner, the ministers instead called for “frank and constructive” dialogue to prevent further escalation.
ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0
Huang also expressed optimism over the progress of the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.
“That’s why we are very happy that the negotiation of version 3.0 of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement has been concluded; it is a significant advancement from version 2.0,” Huang said.
He emphasized that the new agreement reflects both sides’ continued commitment to free trade and the goal of fostering a fair and just international economic order.
The ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0 aims to eliminate more tariffs and broaden cooperation in key areas, including the digital economy, green industries, blue economy, and simplified customs procedures.
