InfoSAWIT, BEIJING — The Chinese government has emphasized that a trade war will produce no winners, following the latest threat from former US President Donald Trump, who said Washington could halt purchases of cooking oil from China.
Trump's strong statement was delivered through the Truth Social platform on Tuesday (14/10), in response to Beijing's move to stop buying soybeans from the United States. He called the decision an "economically hostile act" and warned of the possibility of severing trade relations in the cooking oil sector and other commodities.
"We are considering stopping business with China related to cooking oil and other trade elements, as a form of retaliation," Trump wrote, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from India Times, Wednesday (22/10/2025).
Although tensions between Washington and Beijing had eased after both leaders reached an early trade truce agreement this year, the situation has heated up again. China last week imposed new restrictions on rare earth metal technology exports, triggering a sharp response from Trump. He even threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on goods from China starting November 1.
Responding to the threat, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that trade disputes benefit no one.
"Both parties should resolve differences through equal consultations, mutual respect, and mutual benefit," said Lin in a regular press conference in Beijing, Wednesday (15/10).
"China's stance on economic and trade issues with the United States is consistent and clear," he added.
According to data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the United States was the largest buyer of used cooking oil from China last year, with a volume reaching 1.27 million tons, up more than 50% from 2023. That amount represents more than 40% of China's used cooking oil exports, which are widely used for biofuels, including biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
On the other hand, Beijing also defended its policy of restricting rare earth metal exports, which has drawn criticism from the European Union. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic previously assessed the policy as unreasonable and called for a firm European response.
China emphasized that the move was necessary to protect global security and uphold international obligations related to non-proliferation.
"This policy is taken to maintain world peace, regional stability, and fulfill international responsibilities," Lin explained.
China is the world's leading producer of rare earth metals, a key material in making magnets for the automotive, electronics, and defense industries.
The latest trade tensions mark a new chapter in the economic relations between the two world's largest powers, which are still striving to find a balance between industrial interests and global geopolitics. (T2)
