For China, the record $1.2 trillion annual trade surplus its authorities reported Wednesday is resounding proof of the resilience of its economy in the face of US trade friction.

It's the first time China's full-year trade surplus has passed $1tn, beating 2024's record figure of $993bn. China's monthly export surpluses passed $100bn seven times last year - a sign that Trump's tariff campaign have barely affected its overall trade with the rest of the world.

A survey by the American Chamber of Commerce in China has found that U.S. businesses are more concerned about the country's slowing economy than trade friction.

As U.S. imports from China have declined amid the two countries’ trade war, China has sent more exports to Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and elsewhere.

China was able to offset a slump in exports to the U.S. by redirecting them to Africa, India, Europe and Southeast Asian countries.

China’s surplus reached $1.19 trillion last year, a 20 percent increase from 2024, as Beijing kept the currency weak and pursued self-reliance to replace imports.

China on Monday appointed Jiang Chenghua as Deputy Representative for International Trade Negotiations, a veteran negotiator with experience in export controls and in managing the country's investment ties with the U.