Bangladesh, April 22 -- In a stern rebuke to the United States, Chinas Commerce Ministry on April 21 warned countries against cutting trade deals with Washington that come at Beijings expense, signaling a new phase in the ongoing trade standoff between the worlds two largest economies. As the Biden administration escalates its tariff war launched during the Donald Trump presidency, China has responded with sharp rhetoric, retaliatory measures, and diplomatic maneuvers aimed at preserving its economic influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

The warning follows a Bloomberg report claiming that the US is pressuring countries seeking tariff exemptions or reductions to curb their trade with China. The Commerce Ministry said in response, ...