China Accuses US of “Bullying” as Rubio Pushes Indo-Pacific Agenda

China has sharply accused the United States of 'bullying' as Secretary of State Marco Rubio promoted a renewed Indo-Pacific agenda during high-stakes meetings in Kuala Lumpur.

The diplomatic clash comes as the US unveiled steep new tariffs on Asian economies, escalating tensions at the ASEAN summit attended by top officials from both countries.

Is the US risking a trade war with China over new tariffs?

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi condemned the latest round of US tariffs as 'typical unilateral bullying behavior.' He warned Southeast Asian nations that these actions threaten the stability of global supply chains and undermine international trade rules.

The US, under President Trump, has imposed tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese goods, with more levies set to take effect next month unless a deal is reached. Beijing has threatened to retaliate, specifically targeting countries that support Washington's efforts to exclude China from supply chains.

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China and the US together account for more than a third of global trade, making their disputes especially disruptive for worldwide supply chains and economic growth.

Will China's accusations of bullying sway Asian allies?

Wang Yi has urged Southeast Asian partners to resist US pressure and avoid supporting what he calls 'unilateral coercion.' China is actively seeking to rally regional support against what it views as American protectionism and economic intimidation.

Despite these efforts, some US allies in Asia remain wary. ASEAN foreign ministers have called unilateral tariffs 'counterproductive,' emphasizing that countries require diversified trade and a transparent, fair multilateral system.

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China says US tariffs threaten global trade stability

Chinese officials argue that the US is undermining the rules-based order that has underpinned decades of global economic growth. They warn that escalating tariffs could fragment the world economy and disrupt recovery efforts following recent global shocks.

Beijing has responded with its own tariffs and export controls while also launching a legal challenge at the World Trade Organization. Chinese state media insists the country is prepared for a prolonged dispute and has tools to mitigate the impact.

Rubio’s Indo-Pacific push faces fierce Chinese resistance

Secretary Rubio, on his first Asia trip, has sought to reassure regional partners that the US remains committed to the Indo-Pacific. He has highlighted concerns over China's support for Russia and pressed for deeper cooperation with Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN states.

However, Rubio's agenda has been overshadowed by the tariff dispute. China’s fierce criticism and threats of retaliation have raised the stakes for both sides, leaving the region bracing for further economic and diplomatic fallout.

With neither Washington nor Beijing backing down, the Indo-Pacific faces a period of heightened uncertainty. The world’s two largest economies remain locked in a contest for influence, and the outcome will shape global trade for years to come.