China Condemns Trump’s ‘America First’ Policy, Warning of a Return to the ‘Law of the Jungle’

 

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” stance on Friday

China Condemns Trump’s ‘America First’ Policy, Warning of a Return to the ‘Law of the Jungle’

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s “America First” stance on Friday, warning that prioritizing national interests above all else could lead to global disorder. Responding to a question from CNN’s Steven Jiang, Wang expressed concerns about the consequences of such an approach.

“There are more than 190 countries in the world,” Wang stated during a press briefing in Beijing.

“Should everyone stress ‘my country first’ and obsess over a position of strength, the law of the jungle would reign again, smaller and weaker countries would bear the brunt first, and international norms and order would take a body blow,” he added.

As one of China’s most experienced diplomats and a key figure in President Xi Jinping’s foreign policy circle, Wang delivered his remarks during his 11th annual press conference, which coincided with the nation’s high-profile “two sessions” political gathering.

This meticulously orchestrated event provides Beijing with a platform to express its stance on global affairs. This year, as tensions rise between Washington and Beijing due to escalating trade conflicts and Trump’s unconventional diplomatic moves, Wang’s statements sought to portray China as a responsible global leader.

When asked about Trump’s recent decision to increase tariffs on Chinese goods, Wang responded assertively, stating, “No country should fantasize that it can suppress China on the one hand and develop good relations with China on the other.”

“This ‘two-faced’ approach is not only not conducive to the stability of bilateral relations, but also unable to establish mutual trust,” he added.

“A big country should honor its international obligations and fulfill its due responsibilities. It should not put selfish interests before principles, still less should it wield the power to bully the weak,” Wang said, emphasizing China’s firm opposition to hegemony and power politics.

Trump’s Global Shake-Up

Since taking office in January, Trump’s presidency has significantly altered the U.S.’s role on the world stage. His administration has distanced itself from international agreements, scaled back foreign aid, and made controversial moves regarding other nations’ sovereignty. Long-standing alliances have also been challenged, as the White House pivots toward Moscow—most recently suspending military aid to Ukraine.

Despite ongoing criticism of Beijing’s actions in the South China Sea and its stance on Taiwan, Chinese diplomats have seized the opportunity to contrast their country’s foreign policy with Trump’s, presenting China as a more stable and cooperative power.

Ukraine Conflict and Beijing’s Response

The war in Ukraine has provided Beijing with another opportunity to frame itself as a responsible global actor.

Washington’s increasing alignment with Russia has unsettled European allies and created an opening for China to counter accusations about its own close ties with Moscow. These ties have deepened since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the Ukraine invasion.

During a meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Lu Shaye, China’s special envoy for European Affairs, addressed criticisms about Beijing’s support for Moscow.

“Is it still necessary to question whether China is favoring Russia? If they still have doubts about this, they should first criticize the US. The US is not just leaning (towards Russia) — it’s supporting it,” said Lu, known for his outspoken style and past role as China’s ambassador to France.

“European friends should reflect on how the Trump administration’s policies contrast with those of the Chinese government,” he continued, arguing that China’s approach to diplomacy is “mutually beneficial” and will continue to expand its global partnerships.

During his press conference, Wang also touched on the Ukraine war, portraying China-Russia relations as a stabilizing force amid global uncertainty.

He described the alliance between Moscow and Beijing as a “constant push in a turbulent world” while U.S. officials have suggested they aim to weaken ties between the two nations.

When asked about Beijing’s role in potential peace efforts for Ukraine, Wang reiterated China’s claimed neutrality, stating that it “welcomes and supports all efforts for peace.”

However, he also reinforced a viewpoint shared by both China and Russia, criticizing NATO and blaming the alliance for provoking the conflict.

“All parties should learn something from the crisis,” Wang said, pointedly remarking, “No country should build its security on the insecurity of another.”

Gaza and Trump’s Controversial Proposal

Wang also indirectly addressed the U.S. stance on Gaza, particularly Trump’s recent suggestion that Washington should take control of the conflict-ridden region and transform it into a “Middle Eastern Riviera.”

“If the major country truly cares about the people in Gaza, it should promote comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, ramp up humanitarian assistance, observe the principle of Palestinians governing Palestine and contribute to the reconstruction,” he said.