China Issues White Paper on US Trade Tensions Citing $688.3 Billion in Bilateral Trade

On April 9, China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper titled “China’s Position on Several Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations,” aiming to clarify facts, reaffirm policies, and counter recent U.S. narratives regarding trade disputes.

The document, structured into six key sections, emphasizes that the essence of the China-US economic relationship is mutual benefit. It details China’s full compliance with the Phase One trade deal and criticizes the U.S. for failing to uphold its own obligations under the agreement. It also reiterates China’s commitment to free trade principles and World Trade Organization norms, while denouncing unilateralism and protectionism as damaging forces in bilateral ties.

The white paper notes that in the 46 years since diplomatic relations were established, trade between the two nations has surged from under $2.5 billion in 1979 to nearly $688.3 billion in 2024. However, recent years have seen a dramatic shift as the U.S. has taken aggressive trade actions—including tariffs on over $500 billion worth of Chinese goods—under policies framed around “America First.”

China warns that the latest U.S. moves, such as proposed 50% tariffs on Chinese products and additional restrictions under Section 301 investigations, mark an escalation that threatens global trade norms. The document describes these measures as coercive and fundamentally incompatible with multilateralism, and pledges that China will respond in accordance with international law to safeguard national interests.

While tensions remain high, the white paper closes with a call for the U.S. to return to dialogue and cooperation, urging both nations to follow the consensus of their leaders and work toward a stable and mutually beneficial trade relationship.