China Warns of Damage to Trade Ties After U.S. Tariff Moves

High-level talks in Paris address potential fallout from U.S. trade investigations and policy adjustments.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 7:18pm

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China's international trade representative Li Chenggang warned that the U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff moves could interfere with or damage the countries' hard-won and stable economic and trade relations. The talks in Paris were meant to prepare for Trump's planned trip to China, though the president has warned it could be delayed due to the ongoing Iran war.

Why it matters

The U.S.-China trade relationship has been a major source of tension in recent years, with both sides imposing tariffs and engaging in a trade war. Any further disruption to this relationship could have significant economic consequences globally.

The details

During the Paris talks, Li expressed China's serious concern about trade investigations into manufacturing in foreign countries that the Trump administration launched after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down its earlier tariffs. Li said China is worried the results of such investigations may interfere with or damage the stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations. The two sides discussed the possible extension of tariffs and non-tariff measures, with China expressing concern over likely uncertainty as the U.S. adjusts its measures.

  • The talks in Paris took place on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • Trump's planned trip to China was expected to happen in about two weeks from the time of the Paris talks.

The players

Li Chenggang

China's international trade representative who led the Chinese delegation in the Paris talks.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who has implemented tariffs and trade policies that have strained relations with China.

Scott Bessent

The U.S. Treasury Secretary who led the American delegation in the Paris talks.

Jamieson Greer

The U.S. Trade Representative who accompanied Bessent and discussed the trade investigations that concern China.

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What they’re saying

“We are concerned that the possible results of such investigations may interfere with or damage the hard-won and stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations.”

— Li Chenggang, China's international trade representative

“The talks 'were constructive and they show the stability in the relationship,' and noted: 'The purpose of these meetings is to prevent any retaliation.'”

— Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

“If the president's visit is postponed, it would have nothing to do with the Chinese making a commitment to the Straits of Hormuz. It would obviously be in their interest to do so, but a postponement would not be as a result of any asks from the president not being met.”

— Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary

What’s next

The two sides agreed to make efforts to keep the tariffs stable, and the talks sketched out 'the general terms of a work plan' for a potential Trump-Xi meeting so that it could produce 'potential deliverables'.

The takeaway

The U.S.-China trade relationship remains fragile, with both sides expressing concerns about the potential fallout from the latest tariff moves and trade investigations. Maintaining stability in this critical economic partnership will be crucial going forward.