In an exclusive article for DKnews.kz, His Excellency Zhang Xiao (Han Chunlin), the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Kazakhstan, outlines Beijing’s official stance on the United States' unilateral tariff policies. He argues that these actions violate the principles of fair international trade and undermine the foundations of the multilateral economic system. The Ambassador emphasizes that U.S. trade practices risk triggering a global recession and destabilizing a trade framework in which the United States itself has long played a key role. China, he states, will firmly defend its sovereign economic interests while continuing to advocate for open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial cooperation. The article also underscores the strength of China-Kazakhstan relations, highlighting their strategic partnership, robust trade cooperation, and shared commitment to upholding a global order based on WTO rules and mutual respect.
U.S. Tariff Measures: A Zero-Sum Game
The United States has recently imposed so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on trade partners around the world — a move that, under the guise of "fairness" and "reciprocity," effectively turns international trade into a zero-sum game. Using tariffs as leverage, the U.S. prioritizes its own interests at the expense of the global good, disregarding the legitimate interests of other nations. This approach exemplifies power politics, economic coercion, and unilateral protectionism.
Such actions undermine years of progress achieved through multilateral negotiations, ignoring the reality that the United States has long benefitted immensely from the global trading system. These tariffs breach the principles of Most-Favored-Nation treatment and non-discrimination as established by the World Trade Organization (WTO), and they threaten to push the global economy toward a state of disorder — a regression to what some call a “jungle era” of trade. History offers a warning: the 1930 Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act sparked a worldwide tariff war and prolonged global recession. We must not repeat that mistake.
Risks of Reverting to Protectionism
Following World War II, the U.S. played a central role in shaping the global economic architecture — and in doing so, reaped significant benefits. Globalization delivered tremendous profits to American multinational corporations, provided low-cost goods to American consumers, and reinforced the U.S. dollar’s dominance in global finance. The U.S. trade deficit, in fact, stems from domestic structural imbalances and the dollar’s status as a global reserve currency. Tariff hikes will not fix these fundamental issues or “make America great again.”
During his first term, President Trump imposed Section 301 tariffs on China, yet the U.S. trade deficit grew from $792.4 billion in 2017 to $901.5 billion in 2020. While the U.S. continues to run a deficit in goods, it holds a strong surplus in services. Thus, the policy of “reciprocal tariffs” is ultimately self-defeating. American households bear the brunt of these measures: a 20% tariff across a broad range of products could cost the average household up to $4,200 annually, according to Yale University’s Budget Lab. The stock market's negative reaction to the tariffs and Goldman Sachs raising the probability of a U.S. recession from 20% to 35% further reflect the risks.
China’s Response and the Case for Global Cooperation
In response to these unilateral actions, China has taken and will continue to take firm countermeasures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests. The U.S. has a track record of breaking promises, altering agreements, and exerting pressure on other countries. In such a context, compromise only encourages further coercion. No single nation can face these challenges alone — collective global action is essential.
China calls for an approach grounded in mutual consultation, non-discrimination, openness, and inclusivity. Nations should refrain from retaliatory tactics and work together to restore balance and fairness in global trade.
Deepening Practical Cooperation with Kazakhstan
Preserving a stable global trading system is key to ensuring sustainable economic growth and shared prosperity. Multilateralism remains the best path forward in addressing current challenges. Kazakhstan — the country where the Belt and Road Initiative was first proposed — plays a vital role in its high-quality implementation.
As close neighbors with shared mountains, rivers, and destinies, China and Kazakhstan enjoy a strong and enduring comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries are jointly building a China-Kazakhstan community of shared future, grounded in mutual trust and solidarity. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $43.82 billion, up 6.8% from the previous year. This reflects the depth and breadth of economic cooperation between the two nations.
As WTO members, China and Kazakhstan should work together to uphold a UN-centered international system and defend a multilateral trading order based on WTO rules. It is also important to strengthen coordination on multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), BRICS, and the WTO itself to collectively respond to U.S. protectionist measures.
China’s long-term economic fundamentals remain strong. In 2024, China’s GDP reached nearly 135 trillion yuan with a 5% growth rate — contributing around 30% to global economic growth. The government has set a target of around 5% growth for 2025, and the 6% growth recorded in the first quarter of this year is a testament to China’s resilience and vitality. Regardless of changes in the international landscape, China remains committed to true multilateralism and will continue to open its market proactively.
By further expanding institutional openness in terms of standards, regulations, and governance, and by simplifying trade and investment procedures at a high level, China aims to create a world-class, market-oriented, and law-based business environment. China stands ready to work with Kazakhstan to streamline trade and investment processes, unlock development opportunities, and achieve mutual benefit. May our practical cooperation continue to deepen for the well-being and prosperity of our peoples.
