Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao explores trade alliances amid escalating U.S. tariffs under Trump administration.
BEIJING — In a strategic move to counter the intensifying economic strain imposed by the United States, China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, held high-level discussions on Thursday with his Saudi Arabian and South African counterparts, focusing on economic cooperation and responses to Washington’s escalating tariff measures.
The virtual meetings come amid rising global trade tensions following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to office and his renewed commitment to imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on countries he accuses of exploiting American markets—chief among them, China.
According to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Friday, the discussions took place via separate video conferences, during which Wang emphasized Beijing’s desire to strengthen bilateral trade partnerships with both Saudi Arabia and South Africa.
The conversations, described by Chinese authorities as “constructive,” also touched on broader economic frameworks including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Group of Twenty (G20), and BRICS.
Building Economic Coalitions
The timing of these diplomatic overtures is no coincidence. China is increasingly turning to emerging economies and strategic partners in the Global South as it braces for a potential new wave of economic pressure from Washington.
During his call with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, Wang Wentao reportedly focused on expanding trade cooperation between Beijing and Riyadh. The two nations also discussed enhancing multilateral ties through the GCC, a regional alliance comprising six Gulf countries with vast oil reserves and significant global trade influence.
In his separate conversation with South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, Wang emphasized the importance of collaboration within the BRICS framework, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. He also highlighted the role of the G20 in promoting equitable and balanced international trade.
While the ministry did not provide further details about the specific strategies discussed to counter U.S. tariffs, the emphasis on coalition-building sends a clear message about China’s evolving diplomatic strategy in a multipolar world.
Trump’s Tariff Measures Resurface
The context for these talks is the U.S. administration’s aggressive trade policy under President Trump, who recently announced a sweeping increase in tariffs on Chinese goods. The tariffs—now reportedly reaching as high as 125% on select imports—represent a stark return to the combative trade approach of Trump’s previous term.
Speaking at a rally in Ohio last week, Trump accused China of “undermining global markets and exploiting American workers,” claiming the tariff hikes are designed to “level the playing field.”
The White House has defended the policy as a means of protecting American manufacturing and correcting longstanding trade imbalances. However, analysts warn that such actions could reignite a global trade war, echoing the turbulence of 2018–2019 that disrupted supply chains and slowed global economic growth.
Strategic Responses from Beijing
Beijing has so far responded with restraint, opting for diplomacy and strategic partnerships rather than immediate retaliatory tariffs. Wang’s conversations with Saudi and South African officials are part of a broader campaign by China to solidify its alliances and insulate its economy from potential U.S. trade shocks.
China has long prioritized diversification of its trade partners, and its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has played a key role in connecting China with over 140 countries through infrastructure, investment, and energy projects. Strengthening economic ties with BRICS and GCC nations is a natural extension of that strategy.
“These meetings highlight China’s commitment to building a new global trade architecture that is less dependent on the United States,” said Dr. Zhang Wei, an international trade expert at Tsinghua University. “By reinforcing ties with key partners in the Middle East and Africa, China is proactively shaping its economic future.”
South-South Trade in Focus
The talks also reflect the growing significance of South-South cooperation—collaborative efforts among developing nations to promote economic growth, trade, and political solidarity. Both Saudi Arabia and South Africa are increasingly seen as vital economic nodes in their respective regions.
Saudi Arabia is a key energy supplier and has been actively seeking to diversify its economy under its Vision 2030 plan. The kingdom’s partnership with China offers opportunities in areas such as technology, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
South Africa, as a leading African economy and a founding member of BRICS, plays a crucial role in Beijing’s strategic engagement on the continent. Bilateral trade between China and South Africa has grown significantly over the past decade, and further collaboration could enhance South Africa’s industrial development while giving China greater access to raw materials and emerging markets.
Global Repercussions and Diplomatic Balancing
While these bilateral meetings offer China a pathway to buffer the economic impact of U.S. tariffs, they may also alter the global diplomatic landscape. As Washington doubles down on protectionist measures, Beijing is crafting a narrative of openness, inclusion, and economic cooperation—an approach that may resonate with countries frustrated by U.S. economic dominance.
However, challenges remain. Both Saudi Arabia and South Africa maintain strategic ties with the United States, and neither country is likely to fully align with China at the expense of those relationships.
“China’s diplomatic charm offensive must be seen in a nuanced light,” said Professor Linda Mbeki of the University of Cape Town. “While there’s economic incentive for greater cooperation, many nations are still navigating their relationships with both Beijing and Washington.”
Looking Ahead
As global tensions mount, the economic choices of emerging powers like Saudi Arabia and South Africa may significantly influence the trajectory of international trade dynamics. For China, fostering deeper ties with these nations offers a means of building resilience against external pressure—particularly from an increasingly antagonistic U.S. administration.
With the threat of a renewed global trade war looming, Thursday’s diplomatic exchanges are a signal that China is preparing to navigate a more fragmented and competitive international economic landscape.
