Prof. Sili Zhou shares insights on the impact of US-China trade tariffs on China’s economy conducted by CGTN Biz Today

The topic of US-China trade tariffs has once again become a focal point of international attention. Recently, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China made a clear statement that it will take resolute measures in response to the latest round of tariff threats from the United States. The spokesperson of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lin Jian, emphasized that if the US persists in launching a tariff and trade war, China will firmly stand its ground. At the same time, China released a white paper detailing the positions and stances of both sides on key economic and trade issues.

What do American tariff policies mean for the global economy? How will China respond to US actions? Will US tariffs alter the broader trajectory of China’s economy? Prof. Sili Zhou, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Macau (UM) and Associate Team Leader of the Macao Economy team at the Asia-Pacific Academy of Economics and Management (APAEM), was invited to participate in a special interview on China Global Television Network (CGTN) Biz Today program to share his in-depth professional insights on the specific impact of US-China trade tariffs on China’s economy. The program aired on April 11, 2025, and featured a discussion hosted by Zhao Yang, alongside Prof. Yan Liang from Willamette University and Senior Researcher Dr. Zhou Mi from the Academy of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Prof. Zhou pointed out that the US’s tariff hikes not only violate the multilateral trading principles advocated by the World Trade Organization (WTO), but also impose significant uncertainties and challenges on the global economy. He emphasized that the US-China trade relationship is fundamentally a mutually beneficial partnership, and that unilateralism and protectionism only serve to undermine the stability and fairness of the international trade system. In the face of US tariff pressures, China will take defensive measures in accordance with the law to effectively safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of domestic enterprises and consumers. Prof. Zhou particularly highlighted China’s vast domestic market and strong manufacturing base, which provide a solid foundation for economic development and effectively cushion the impact of external trade frictions.

Furthermore, Prof. Zhou analyzed that high tariffs result in higher costs for American consumers, and these issues cannot be easily resolved in the short term through manufacturing reshoring. More importantly, the uncertainty created by tariff policies leads businesses to adopt a cautious stance toward investment, causing increased volatility and challenges within global supply chains. In response, China continues to uphold a policy of openness and cooperation, actively promoting dialogue to resolve differences and maintain the stability of the global trade order.

Looking ahead, Prof. Zhou encouraged Chinese companies to continuously enhance their global competitiveness and actively respond to international uncertainties, thereby driving steady economic progress.

For more insights, please listen to the radio interview via this link.

Photo Credit: CGTN