At the Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Open Day in Washington, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivered a strong message: Beijing firmly opposes tariff wars and any form of trade conflict. With a nod to ancient wisdom, he urged countries to work together to grow the global economy instead of squeezing existing markets.
From TCM Wisdom to Trade Diplomacy
Invoking an old Chinese saying—“the greatest physicians save a country, the second greatest save individuals”—Xie argued that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers lessons for global commerce. “Just as TCM treats both symptoms and root causes, we must address underlying economic challenges rather than impose barriers that only treat surface problems,” he said.
A Bigger Pie for Everyone
Xie warned that tariff barriers hamper international trade, disrupt supply chains, and drive up prices worldwide. “Weaponizing interdependence only leads to self-isolation,” he noted. Instead, he called for expanding the global economic “pie” by embracing openness and collaboration.
China’s Economic Resilience
Despite global uncertainties, Xie highlighted strong indicators for the Chinese economy. In the first quarter of this year, GDP grew 5.4% year on year—one of the highest rates among major economies. Trade volumes hit record highs, with Belt and Road Initiative partners accounting for more than half of total imports and exports.
He also pointed to the success of recent events like the China International Consumer Products Expo and the Canton Fair, which saw a surge in participating brands and deals. At the 2025 Global Industrial Investment Promotion Conference for the Hainan Free Trade Port alone, more than $32 billion in projects were signed.
A Call for Open Doors
“China remains a huge market with the greatest potential,” Xie said. “We will continue to open rather than close our doors, tear down barriers rather than erect them, and bring stability to the world through high-quality development and high-standard opening-up.”
As global economies navigate headwinds, Xie’s message is clear: shared growth requires shared commitment to openness.
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China's U.S. envoy: Beijing opposes tariff or trade war of any form
cgtn.com
