Beijing Sees Opportunity for Growth as US Tariffs Backfire, Says Chinese Envoy
In a strategic pivot, China is looking to deepen its economic partnership with Nigeria in response to rising US protectionist policies. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. Yu Dunhai, has criticized the United States’ latest tariff measures as regressive and harmful to global trade, presenting them as an opportunity for stronger Sino-Nigerian cooperation.
Speaking in Abuja, Ambassador Dunhai said the United States' “America First” strategy is isolating Washington from the global economic community and creating new openings for countries like Nigeria to align more closely with China.
“The US is trying to dominate others through pressure and tariffs. But this approach only sparks inflation, weakens currencies, and disrupts markets—including in Africa,” he noted.
In contrast, Dunhai emphasized China’s commitment to multilateral trade, fair cooperation, and Africa’s development. He pointed to President Xi Jinping’s pledge to eliminate tariffs on all goods from least-developed countries with diplomatic ties to China—Nigeria included.
With over $22.5 billion in bilateral trade already, Dunhai expressed optimism about deeper ties in infrastructure, agriculture, and tech, citing ongoing Belt and Road projects like railways and power plants as a solid foundation.
“Nigeria’s large market and Renewed Hope Agenda are a natural match for increased Chinese investment,” he added, encouraging Nigeria to take advantage of global trade shifts to attract more Chinese capital.
Reaffirming China’s global stance, the ambassador called for collective resistance to unilateralism and protectionism, saying:
“Defending multilateralism and fairness is a shared responsibility. China stands ready to support developing nations like Nigeria in building a more inclusive global economy.”
Dunhai also referenced growing discontent within the US, citing polls and economic data that show rising inflation and public opposition to tariffs, including a 30% surge in food prices like eggs and poultry.
Even as the US announced a 90-day tariff pause for some countries, it imposed even stricter tariffs on China—heightening trade tensions between the two powers.
Despite this, China remains open to dialogue—but only on equal terms. “We’re willing to negotiate, but we won’t accept bullying,” Dunhai affirmed.
Punch Newspaper
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