China's UN envoy Fu Cong cautioned the United States on February 3, 2025, against initiating a trade conflict, emphasizing the necessity for cooperation during a period marked by increasing geopolitical instability. Fu stated, 'The world is entering a very turbulent period. So as the two biggest countries, we don't need to fight each other.'
His remarks coincided with US President Donald Trump's announcement of a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, set to take effect on February 4, 2025. Fu labeled this tariff as a violation of World Trade Organization regulations and confirmed that China has lodged a complaint with the organization.
Fu warned that 'there is no winner in a trade war' and urged the US to address its own issues. He also refuted US claims regarding China's involvement in the fentanyl crisis, asserting that China enforces stringent regulations on fentanyl-related substances.
On technology, Fu criticized the US for its actions against Chinese firms such as Huawei and TikTok, arguing that 'fragmentation in technology and AI will only enhance risks and reduce benefits for everyone.'
Additionally, Fu announced that China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi will lead a UN Security Council meeting on multilateralism on February 18, 2025, which he suggested could serve as a platform for dialogue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.