Trade relations between the United States and China have once again come under strain following recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump. On Tuesday, Trump announced through his Truth Social platform that his administration was considering terminating business ties with China concerning cooking oil and other trade elements. This declaration was made in response to Beijing’s decision to halt purchases of US soybeans, which Trump described as an “economically hostile act.”
While tensions between the two nations have eased somewhat compared to earlier in the year, the fragile truce negotiated by their leaders remains uncertain. The current dispute centers around agricultural products and biofuel resources, with cooking oil being a key commodity used for producing biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Trump’s threats follow China’s recent move to impose new export controls on rare earth technologies and other strategic items, further complicating the bilateral relationship.
Responding to Trump’s statements, China’s foreign ministry emphasized that trade disputes are not beneficial for any party involved. During a routine press briefing on Wednesday, ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that both sides should address their differences through consultation based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit. Lin reiterated China’s consistent and clear position regarding economic and trade issues with the United States.
The foreign ministry’s comments underscore Beijing’s preference for diplomatic solutions rather than escalation. Lin’s remarks reflect a broader stance adopted by Chinese officials, who have repeatedly called for constructive engagement amid ongoing tensions. According to data from the US Department of Agriculture, the United States was the largest buyer of Chinese used cooking oil last year, purchasing 1.27 million tonnes—a figure that marked an increase of over 50 percent from 2023. This accounted for more than 40 percent of China’s total exports of the product, highlighting the significance of this trade relationship.
In addition to disputes over cooking oil, China recently introduced new controls on rare earth exports, citing global security concerns as justification. The European Union’s trade chief Maros Sefcovic criticized these restrictions as unjustified and called for a coordinated response from international partners. Rare earth minerals are essential for manufacturing magnets used in automotive, electronics, and defense industries, making China’s policies particularly impactful on global supply chains.
During Wednesday’s press conference, Lin Jian defended Beijing’s export controls by asserting that they aim to safeguard world peace and regional stability. He also mentioned that these measures help fulfill international obligations related to non-proliferation. Chinese leaders have made their position clear on these policies, stressing that their actions are intended to maintain stability rather than disrupt markets.
