Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says China will continue to retaliate to the United States’ “arbitrary tariffs” and accused Washington of “meeting good with evil” in a press conference Friday on the sidelines of the annual parliamentary session.

China has warned it is ready for "any type of war" in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese goods. The statement comes as Beijing boosts defense spending and tensions escalate.

Trade tensions between the world's two leading economies are set to escalate on Monday, as Beijing begins levying tariffs on certain US agricultural goods in retaliation for President Donald Trump's latest hike on Chinese imports.

Two major speeches were delivered by two of the world’s most powerful leaders this week, on opposite sides of the planet — Donald Trump and Li Qiang.

Li sets out goals for economic growth, jobs, the private sector, tech and Hong Kong at opening ceremony of China’s top legislature.

Li Qiang said China would strive to work with regular Taiwanese to realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping reads during a speech by Premier Li Qiang at the opening session of the National Peoples Congress, or NPC, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5, 2025. Charlie Campbell is a correspondent at TIME, based in the Singapore bureau.

According to Li’s annual work report, the fiscal deficit target for the year will be 5.66 trillion yuan ($780 billion)

As Chinese leaders meet in Beijing, they are striking a confident posture despite serious challenges to the economy and growing pressure from the United States.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called on Hong Kong to deepen international exchanges and cooperation while faithfully safeguarding the constitutional order stipulated in both the country’s constitution and the city’s Basic Law.

China laid out its major policy priorities for 2025 at an annual parliamentary meeting on Wednesday, including how it plans to spur consumption and achieve technological breakthroughs.