Economy

China’s Wang Wentao to Tim Cook: US Trade Curbs Damage Bilateral Ties

China says U.S. restrictions hurt trade, wants dialogue to resolve issues, as stated by Commerce Minister Wang.

October 16, 2025, 2:46 PM

Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., speaks during the launch event for the iPad 6 at Lane Technical College Prep High School in Chicago on March 27, 2018. By John Gress Media Inc / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao stated that “intensive U.S. restrictive measures” implemented post-September talks have significantly harmed China’s interests and worsened the environment for bilateral trade discussions.

Wang attributed “recent fluctuations in China–U.S. economic and trade relations” directly to these American policies, according to a ministry statement on October 16.

The minister expressed hope for U.S.-China collaboration to resolve issues through “dialogue and consultation on an equal footing” to foster stable conditions for businesses.

The Story So Far

China’s Commerce Minister attributes the “recent fluctuations in China–U.S. economic and trade relations” directly to “intensive U.S. restrictive measures” implemented after September talks, which Beijing asserts have significantly harmed its interests and deteriorated the environment for bilateral trade discussions. This has led to growing frustration from China, which is now calling for the U.S. to engage in “dialogue and consultation on an equal footing” to resolve these issues and foster more stable conditions for businesses.

Why This Matters

China’s assertion that U.S. restrictive measures have harmed its interests and deteriorated the trade discussion environment signals Beijing’s growing frustration, which could further complicate future bilateral negotiations and create continued instability for global businesses and the economic landscape. This public pushback, even while engaging with a major U.S. corporate leader, underscores China’s intent to challenge perceived American economic pressure while still seeking stable conditions for trade.

Who Thinks What?

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao believes that “intensive U.S. restrictive measures” have significantly harmed China’s interests and deteriorated the environment for bilateral trade discussions, advocating for dialogue and consultation on an equal footing.

The U.S. has implemented restrictive measures, which China views as the direct cause of recent fluctuations in China–U.S. economic and trade relations.

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has asserted that “intensive U.S. restrictive measures” implemented following September talks in Madrid have significantly harmed China’s interests and deteriorated the environment for bilateral trade discussions. Speaking during a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook, Wang attributed “recent fluctuations in China–U.S. economic and trade relations” directly to these American policies, according to a statement from his ministry on October 16.

Wang’s remarks underscore Beijing’s growing frustration with Washington’s approach to economic engagement. The Chinese ministry’s statement highlighted the direct link between U.S. actions and the current state of bilateral trade relations, emphasizing the negative impact on China.

The minister expressed hope that the U.S. would collaborate with China to resolve issues through “dialogue and consultation on an equal footing.” This approach, he suggested, would foster more stable expectations and conditions for businesses from both nations to cooperate effectively.

The discussion with a major U.S. corporate leader like Tim Cook provides a notable backdrop for China’s official stance on trade. It signals Beijing’s desire to maintain robust business ties while simultaneously pushing back on perceived American economic pressure.

Outlook on Bilateral Trade

These statements from Beijing emphasize China’s consistent call for a balanced approach to trade relations. The ongoing tension, punctuated by U.S. restrictions, continues to shape the global economic landscape and business confidence.