By Austin Maho
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Ambasasor Yu Dunhai has described the US tarrif policy as “a step backward in history”
He spoke while addressing a group of journalists at the Chinese Embassy today in Abuja
Ambassador Dunhai noted that the U.S. actions infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of other countries and violates WTO and undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system, and destabilizes the global economic order.
The Ambassador who spoke in company of top officials of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, including Minister Counselor Zhang Yi and Minister Counselor Wang Yingqi, said by imposing the tariffs the U.S. also defies basic economic principles and market rules, ignoring the fact that it has long profited immensely from international trade.
Using tariffs as a weapon for maximum pressure and self-interest he said is a typical manifestation of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. This is neither “reciprocal” nor “fair”—it is essentially about pursuing “America First” and “American exceptionalism.”
According to him “the U.S. clings to an outdated mindset of “might makes right” and “America First.” It resorts to unilateral bullying, imposing tariffs indiscriminately while disregarding multilateral rules. It openly places its own interests above the common interests of international society, and flagrantly disregards the multilateral trading system and established rules. It promotes a law-of-the-jungle approach, which is clearly turning back the wheel of history.”
Advocating for a peaceful world He said that the world is in the 21st century—an era far removed from the devastation of two World Wars. “This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. As President Xi Jinping pointed out, what defines our world today? The answer is clear: peace, development, cooperation, and shared prosperity”.
He reiterated that the trade war is not a war between China and the US but between the US and the rest of the world in violation of a rule based international system which the tariff policy fragrantly disregards.
The ambassador said that the U.S. tariff policy is going to be counter productive as the US would end up shooting itself on the foot.
According to him the U.S. aims to force other countries to submit through maximum pressure and make America great again. “But this strategy will backfire, harming its own interests as much as others. By turning its back on the world and launching a full-scale tariff war, the U.S. will not achieve its goals. Instead, it will fuel inflation, weaken its industrial base, trigger financial market panic, and increase the risk of an economic recession”. He said.
Citing critism by the U.S. media on the tariff policy, he said , “America is waging a war of self-destruction”. A CBS survey released Sunday found nearly two-thirds of voters oppose the U.S. tariffs. Just this month, U.S. inflation surged to 7.2%, with egg and chicken prices rising by 34% and 28% year-on-year, respectively. Goldman Sachs has raised the probability of a U.S. recession in the next 12 months from 35% to 45%. The IMF warns that U.S. tariffs could slash global growth by 1.5% in 2025. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala adds that trade volumes may shrink by 1%, with developing nations hit the hardest. The U.S. tariff policies are particularly devastating for African nations. Using the absurd logic that “trade surpluses equate to cheating,” the U.S. has launched indiscriminate attacks on African countries, violating WTO principles of special treatment for developing nations. This has already caused “collateral damage” such as currency devaluation and stock market volatility in Africa. The growth momentum of major African economies will inevitably be affected, with some structurally vulnerable economies possibly suffering severe blows, undermining Africa’s industrialization and poverty reduction efforts”.
He called on the rest of the world to reject U.S. tariffs noting that, “No country can stay immune in the face of bullying and coercion. Appeasement will only invite further aggression. The international community must unite and fight back to defend our shared interests. Today, opposing U.S. tariff abuse and bullying means upholding multilateralism and fairness and justice.
China does not provoke trouble, neither are we intimidated by it. As the Chinese saying goes, “To friends, we offer fine wines; to wolves, the hunting rifles.” Pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China. China has taken and will continue to take firm measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development interests. If a fight is forced upon us, China will fight to the end. If talks are sought, China’s door remains open—but only on the basis of equality and mutual respect.
Another Chinese saying goes, “A just cause enjoys abundant support, while an unjust one finds little.” In this imposed tariff war, China stands on the right side of history and the side of fairness and justice. We have the confidence and resolve to defeat all threats and blackmail.
Domestically, we have the unwavering support of our people, a vast market of 1.4 billion consumers, and a comprehensive industrial chain. China’s economy grew by 5.4% in the first quarter. Over the past decades, China has contributed around 30% to global economic growth, serving as a vital engine for the world economy.
Globally, the world has long grown weary of America’s arrogance, bullying, and selfishness. Now, the U.S. has discarded even the pretense of decency, openly declaring a tariff war against the world, placing its interests above the common good of the international community, and advancing its hegemonic ambitions at the cost of the legitimate interests of other nations. This will inevitably face widespread opposition.
As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer market, no matter how the international landscape changes, China’s door will only open wider. We will continue to advance high-level opening-up, implement liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment. We will foster a first-class market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment. And we will share our development opportunities with the world to achieve mutual benefits.
It must be emphasized that China’s resolute stance against power bullying is not only to defend its own legitimate rights but also to uphold the common interests of the international community and prevent the world from regressing to a law-of-the-jungle era. China’s firm countermeasures have won the other nations a 90-day window, mitigating the impact of U.S. tariffs on global supply chains, creating space for dialogue and negotiation, and curbing the unchecked spread of trade protectionism.
Why is the U.S. abuse of tariffs a “crisis with opportunities” for China-Nigeria cooperation?
China-Africa and China-Nigeria relations are built on mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation.
African nations are committed to development and revitalization, which requires a free, open multilateral trading system and a stable, predictable global environment. History has shown that China is a reliable partner for Africa—trustworthy, mature, and steadfast. China’s development and commitment to high-level openness will bring much-needed stability to an increasingly uncertain world.
At last year’s FOCAC Beijing Summit, China pledged to unilaterally expand market access, granting zero-tariff treatment to 100% of product categories for all least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China, including 33 African nations. This demonstrates China’s concrete efforts to turn its vast market into tangible opportunities for Africa.
China and Nigeria are key trade partners, with bilateral trade consistently reaching around $22 billion—among the highest in Africa. Following last year’s agreement on Nigerian peanut exports to China, China remains open to further expanding imports of Nigerian goods, signaling broad prospects for future economic cooperation.
As Africa’s most populous country, a major economy, and a leading voice of the Global South, Nigeria holds significant influence. China stands ready to work with Nigeria to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit and the consensus between our leaders, deepening mutually beneficial collaboration. Together, we will uphold the multilateral trading system, resist protectionism, and foster an open, inclusive, and fair international environment. Our shared goal is to advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, building a community with a shared future for humanity.
