China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivered a stern rebuke to the United States on Friday, accusing Washington of engaging in “unilateral bullying” amid escalating trade tensions between the two global powers. Speaking during a meeting with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Wang declared that “the wheels of history cannot be reversed.”

Wang condemned the U.S. for recently intensifying its use of tariffs, claiming the move blatantly prioritizes American interests over the shared interests of the international community. “It is ignoring the multilateral trading system and established rules,” Wang stated, as reported by China’s state media outlet Xinhua.

He emphasized that China will remain steadfast in defending its “legitimate rights and interests” and will also stand up for the broader international community. Wang stressed the importance of preserving global cooperation and fairness in trade, warning against a regression into a world governed by brute power.

“Humanity must not be dragged back into a jungle world where might makes right,” he declared, urging nations to uphold multilateralism and respect for international norms.

The comments from Beijing come at a time of growing friction over trade policies, with China and the United States locked in a tit-for-tat tariff battle that has rattled global markets. Wang’s remarks signal China’s intention to continue resisting what it views as unjust trade aggression, while also calling for a broader international response to uphold fairness and stability.

As negotiations between the two nations remain uncertain, the latest rhetoric underscores the rising stakes in a conflict that continues to shape global economic dynamics.