China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has issued a strong rebuke of efforts to economically “decouple” China and the United States, asserting that such attempts are ultimately futile and counterproductive. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Wang emphasized that despite political tensions, the economic relationship between the two global powers remains fundamentally strong and mutually beneficial.
Wang acknowledged that China-U.S. trade relations have experienced turbulence in recent years, particularly amid escalating geopolitical friction, tariffs, and technology-related sanctions. However, he noted that both nations continue to be major trade and investment partners. “Attempts to force a decoupling between China and the United States are bound to fail,” he said, calling instead for continued cooperation and constructive dialogue.
Trade data supports Wang’s view. Despite reduced shares in each other’s overall trade volumes due to diversification and protectionist measures, the bilateral trade of goods and services has not only remained stable but shown impressive growth. According to figures cited by the minister, China-U.S. goods trade increased by 18% and services trade by 34.7% in 2024 compared to 2017. These numbers underscore the enduring interdependence of their economies, even amid political headwinds.
Beyond trade, Wang highlighted that direct investment and commercial collaboration remain strong pillars of engagement. American and Chinese companies maintain robust connections across sectors like finance, consumer goods, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. Business delegations continue to exchange visits, and corporate partnerships persist, often operating with pragmatism even when diplomatic relations become strained.
“China-U.S. economic and trade relations are inherently beneficial to both sides. They create jobs, foster innovation, and support stable supply chains,” Wang said. He emphasized that cooperation — not confrontation — is the only path forward, warning that any retreat into economic nationalism would harm both nations and destabilize the broader global economy.
He added that bilateral trade and investment have led to the creation of a substantial number of jobs on both sides of the Pacific, a fact often overlooked in high-level political discourse. This human impact, he argued, is reason enough for both governments to prioritize economic diplomacy over isolationist measures.
Wang also noted that even as external challenges mount, China’s economy has continued to show resilience. In the first half of 2025, the country posted stable growth figures, supported by strong domestic consumption, industrial upgrades, and green energy transitions. He asserted that the fundamentals of China’s long-term economic development remain intact, giving Beijing both the confidence and capacity to defend its economic interests on the world stage.
While reaffirming China’s readiness to protect its core interests, Wang struck a conciliatory tone by reiterating the country’s commitment to dialogue. He stressed that past experience has shown that differences between Beijing and Washington can be managed through equal-footed consultation and mutual respect. “We are fully capable of resolving frictions and achieving win-win outcomes through open and constructive engagement,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when the term “decoupling” has gained renewed attention, particularly in U.S. political and policy circles. Some American lawmakers and analysts advocate for reducing economic reliance on China in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, rare earths, and artificial intelligence. In response, Beijing has called for “de-risking” instead of full-scale disengagement, warning that a severing of ties would ripple across the global economy, affecting supply chains, consumer prices, and financial markets.
Wang concluded by underscoring the responsibility that China and the United States bear as the world’s two largest economies. He said both nations should act as anchors of stability in a turbulent global landscape and work together to provide predictability for investors, businesses, and international markets. China, he affirmed, remains open to enhancing dialogue, reducing misperceptions, and rebuilding trust.
“Our door is open. We hope the U.S. side will walk toward us with sincerity,” Wang said. “Only through cooperation can we ensure a future of healthy, stable, and sustainable development in China-U.S. economic and trade relations.”
