The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China released a video titled "Never Kneel Down" on Tuesday, emphasizing China's refusal to submit under pressure from U.S. tariff policies.
During a regular press conference, spokesperson Guo Jiakun responded to inquiries about the video, expressing hope that it would help all parties better understand China's stance.
Following the imposition of what U.S. President Donald Trump called the "highest reciprocal tariffs" globally, he has repeatedly stated that negotiations over tariffs with China are ongoing. He even claimed to have spoken with Chinese President Xi Jinping, although China has consistently denied these claims.
Today, the Chinese Foreign Ministry released a promotional video with subtitles in both Chinese and English titled "Never Kneel Down" The video strongly states, "Bowing down only leads to relentless pressure; China will not kneel!" clearly indicating that China will not concede to U.S. tariffs.
The video begins by describing the situation as "the eye of the storm," suggesting that a 90-day grace period for other countries "appears calm for a moment" but is actually "a deadly trap." It argues that bowing to a bully is akin to "drinking poison to quench thirst."
It references historical instances such as the U.S. targeting Japanese company Toshiba under the pretext of semiconductor dumping and forcing the appreciation of the Japanese yen through the Plaza Accord. Additionally, it mentions the U.S. exerting "long-arm jurisdiction" to dismantle French industrial giant Alstom. The video emphasizes that kneeling only invites more bullying and that China will not kneel down.
The narrative points out that the U.S. does not represent the entire world, noting that U.S. trade accounts for less than one-fifth of global trade. It criticizes the U.S. for consistently flip-flopping and playing hardball, stating that when the rest of the world stands together in solidarity, the U.S. is merely a small, stranded boat.
The video underscores China's resolve to maintain its choices and responsibilities, adding that when every nation stands tall, the world will break through the walls of hegemony.
