Following President Donald Trump’s warning of an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods, China declared on Tuesday that it will “fight to the end” and take countermeasures against the US in order to protect its own interests.
The U.S. imposing “so-called’reciprocal tariffs'” on China is “completely groundless and is a typical unilateral bullying practice,” according to the Commerce Ministry.
Retaliatory duties have been issued by China, the second-largest economy in the world, and the ministry suggested in its most recent announcement that more could follow.
China’s countermeasures are intended to preserve the regular order of international trade while protecting its interests in security, development, and sovereignty. “They are entirely legal,” the government declared.
The United States’ threat to increase tariffs on China is a mistake on top of another blunder and demonstrates the country’s history of extortion. This will never be accepted in China. China will battle to the end if the United States insists on getting its way,” it continued.
A worldwide trade war worries analysts and traders.
Trump’s Monday threat of more tariffs on China sparked new worries that his efforts to rebalance the world economy would become a trade war that would be financially devastating. As the tariff battle intensifies, stock markets from Tokyo to New York have grown increasingly volatile.
Following China’s announcement last week that it will react against U.S. tariffs, Trump issued his threat.
“The United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th, if China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025,” Trump tweeted on Truth Social. “In addition, we will end all communication with China regarding their requested meetings with us!”
The total amount of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports would exceed 104% if Trump’s latest tariffs are implemented. The new duties would be in addition to the 34% tariffs he announced last week and the 20% tariffs he proposed as a punishment for fentanyl trafficking. In addition to raising costs for American consumers, it would encourage China to increase its supply of lower-priced goods to other nations and pursue closer ties with other trading partners, especially the European Union.
Despite their worries, Chinese citizens remain optimistic about their nation.
Although it was difficult to keep up with all the pronouncements, individuals in Beijing’s streets said they were certain their nation will be able to withstand the storm.
“Trump makes one statement today and another the next day. Wu Qi, 37, a construction worker, stated, “In any case, he just wants benefits, so he can say whatever he wants.”
Some were not so optimistic. After the additional U.S. 50% tariffs, Paul Wang, 30, who exports stainless accessories to Europe, including as necklaces, bracelets, and tongue studs, stated that the European market has become more significant. He said he would be keeping an eye on which other companies in his industry would be vying for customers in that market.
According to Jessi Huang and Yang Aijia, whose businesses import chemicals from the United States, the tariffs may compel them to shut down their operations due to possible Chinese retaliation.
“I might not be able to find another job if I get laid off, so it would be very difficult and very likely to have a layoff, maybe even closing,” Huang stated.
China still has alternatives for retaliation.
According to experts, China still has a number of ways to retaliate against Washington, such as halting collaboration on the fight against fentanyl, imposing higher agricultural product quotas, and targeting American commerce in services like law and banking in China.
China is the largest trading partner of the United States, with an expected $582 billion in total goods trade in 2024. The goods and services trade imbalance with China in 2024 ranged from $263 billion to $295 billion.
Lin Jian, a spokesman for the foreign ministry, seemed to dismiss any discussion of contact with the Trump administration.
“What the United States has done, in my opinion, does not demonstrate a willingness for real communication. According to Lin, “the United States should adopt an attitude of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit if it truly wants to engage in dialogue.”
Chief Executive John Lee denounced the recent U.S. tariffs as “bullying” in Hong Kong, where markets were marginally higher on Tuesday. He claimed that the “ruthless behavior” had harmed international and multilateral commerce and increased global risks and uncertainties.
According to Lee, the city will sign more free trade agreements, draw in more foreign investors and businesses, link its economy more closely to China’s development, and assist local businesses in adjusting to the effects of the tariffs.
This article was written by Associated Press writers Kanis Leung in Hong Kong, Christopher Bodeen in Taipei, Taiwan, and Chris Megerian and Josh Boak in Washington.
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