China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia Discuss Response to US Tariffs

China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao held separate video calls with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia and South Africa to discuss responses to the United States' recent 'reciprocal tariffs.' These discussions aimed to strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, particularly with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council, and included considerations regarding the roles of international organizations such as the G20 and BRICS during the talks with South Africa's Parks Tau. The conversations come in light of President Trump's significant tariff hikes, which have raised concerns in South Africa regarding potential job losses in its citrus industry. Despite the talks, specific details of the discussions were not disclosed by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Overall, both countries expressed a commitment to maintaining strong trade relationships amidst the escalating tariff tensions with the U.S.