China: Asean trade can offset US tariffs

CHINA on Thursday (17 April ’25) warned that the higher tariffs imposed by the United States on all countries could do wide-ranging damage to the Philippine economy but said regional integration could mitigate the impact of America's pivot to protectionism. Speaking at a closed-door press briefing with select members of the Philippine media held at the Chinese Chancery in South Forbes Park, Makati, Ambassador Huang Xilian cited recent survey data showing that 75 percent of Filipino respondents anticipate negative repercussions from US tariffs on the country's oil and trade sectors. Such measures, he cautioned, could exacerbate economic instability, triggering cascading effects across vital — from agriculture to outsourcing.

"These are not just abstract numbers — these are livelihoods at stake," Huang said. "Rice farmers, garment workers and BPO (business process outsourcing) employees are bracing for higher costs and shrinking demand. History shows the US is uncompromising — not only with rivals but even with allies."

Citing a February 2025 report by the House of Representatives' Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department, Huang noted that the Philippines risks losing up to $1.89 billion in exports due to US protectionist policies. The report highlighted vulnerabilities in key export sectors — from coconut oil to electronics and auto parts — as Washington's trade stance grows increasingly unpredictable. Unlike regional competitors such as Vietnam and Malaysia, which adapted during earlier phases of the US-China trade war, the Philippines' structural trade limitations leave it more exposed to shocks, the report found. "The trade war has no winners," Huang said. "The US, once a global advocate for free trade, is now dismantling the very system it helped build." His remarks come as Moody's Analytics, Nomura and the Asian Development Bank have all downgraded growth forecasts for the Philippines, citing global instability partly fueled by US tariff hikes as a major concern.

"The Philippine economy is deeply trade-dependent," Huang said. "Restrictions, especially on services like BPOs or overseas Filipino workers, will have profound and lasting consequences."

Asked how Beijing plans to navigate turbulent trade conditions, Huang pointed to China's commitment to "long-term, regional partnerships" anchored in open trade and mutual benefit. "China has driven over 60 percent of global growth in recent years," he said. "Our approach is not about dominance — it's about shared prosperity. We urge nations, including the Philippines, to adopt forward-looking policies."

He pointed out China's position as the largest trading partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), noting that the China-Asean Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade will further strengthen economic ties despite global headwinds. Huang also referenced a recent Asean Economic Ministers' statement, in which Southeast Asian nations voiced "deep concern" over US tariffs — some as high as 49 percent — warning of trade distortions and widespread economic harm. "This isn't just about economics — it's about people's futures," he said.

Huang said he expects the Asean to safeguard regional free trade order and work together to mitigate the impact of the tariffs that the United States imposed on its trading partners. In contrast to the US current protectionist policy, Huang highlighted China's steadfast support for multilateralism, saying that Asean-China collaboration has endured global volatility through shared principles and integrated frameworks. "Protectionism doesn't strengthen sovereignty — it erodes it," he said.

The ambassador called for regional solidarity, urging adherence to frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the World Trade Organization ...."We are already fulfilling our RCEP commitments. Now, we must deepen — not weaken — our partnerships," he said...Huang framed the current moment as one of both risk and historic opportunity. “This is a pivotal juncture for regional progress — one we cannot afford to waste."