Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa
China remains committed to fostering peaceful international relations and a fair, rules-based global trading system, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Tong Defa has said.
Speaking at a media engagement in Accra, Ambassador Tong emphasised the importance of diplomatic cooperation, mutual respect and economic inclusiveness while condemning rising global protectionism and unilateral tariff policies, particularly those of the United States.
He stressed the need for dialogue and mutual respect in international relations, warning against the rise of unilateralism and economic coercion.
The Ambassador described the tariff hikes as violations of the global multilateral trading system and said that such actions threaten the foundations of international cooperation and pose risks to global economic stability.
According to him, the new U.S. tariff policies target over 180 countries and regions, including vulnerable Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with some Chinese products facing tariffs as high as 145% – and in certain cases, like solar panels, over 3,000%.
“This severely infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, violates World Trade Organisation rules, undermines the rule-based multilateral trading system and disrupts the global economic order.
“The Chinese government strongly condemns and resolutely opposes such moves. By taking such actions, the United States defies fundamental laws of economics and market principles, disregards the balanced outcomes achieved through multilateral trade negotiations…and weaponises tariffs to exert maximum pressure for selfish interests. This is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying,” he stated.
Multilateralism
He however called for multilateralism and collaboration in shaping the future of international relations.
“There are no winners in tariff wars. International affairs should be addressed through consultation, not coercion. The future of the world must be decided collectively,” he stressed.
He urged countries to uphold the principles of fairness, justice and mutual respect in global governance and to stand on the right side of history.
“As the second-largest economy and second-largest market for consumer goods, China is committed to opening ever-wider to the world, no matter how the international situation changes. We will continue to advance high-standard opening-up.
“We will steadily expand institutional opening-up in rules, regulations, management, and standards. We will implement high-standard policies for trading, investment, liberalisation and facilitation. We will foster a first-class market-oriented, law-based and internationalised business environment. We will share our development opportunities with the world to achieve mutual benefits,” he stated.
Support for African Trade and Development
Ambassador Tong also spoke of China’s continued support for African development, particularly in the area of trade.
He cited the country’s decision to grant 100% zero-tariff treatment to all LDCs with diplomatic ties to China – including 33 African nations. This, he noted, makes China the first G20 member to offer such comprehensive preferential access.
In addition, China has signed bilateral investment treaties with 34 African countries and double taxation avoidance agreements with 21 of them.
“China is not only opening up to the world but also sharing development opportunities, especially with our African brothers and sisters,” he said.
Neighbour diplomacy
Ambassador Tong also took the opportunity to highlight key takeaways from the recently held Central Conference on Work Related to Chinese Neighbouring Countries, in China.
That conference emphasised the critical role of neighbouring countries to development, prosperity and security… and called for the building of a “community with a shared future”.
Ambassador Tong explained that China will deepen cooperation in various fields – including economic integration, infrastructure, security and cultural exchange – while maintaining the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.
He also pointed out that, following the conference, President Xi Jinping embarked on successful visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, signalling the country’s resolve in strengthening regional ties.