Beijing Vows Retaliation After New US Tariff Threats
BEIJING: China has issued a strong condemnation of the United States’ latest threat to impose steeper tariffs on Chinese exports, describing the move as a major misstep and promising a firm response. The warning comes amid mounting trade tensions between the two economic giants.
The sharp rebuke followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a potential 50% tariff hike on Chinese imports, intensifying fears of a deepening global trade conflict.
“This latest tariff threat from the United States represents another error in judgment and reveals its continued use of economic coercion,” said a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce.
“China firmly opposes this,” the spokesperson added.
“If the United States insists on escalating the situation, we will stand our ground and respond decisively,” the ministry warned.
The spokesperson further emphasized that if Washington continues down this path, China will implement robust countermeasures to defend its national interests.
Trump’s latest tariff proposal follows a series of aggressive trade actions that have sent shockwaves through global markets and sparked concerns about a potential worldwide economic slowdown. Even members of Trump’s own party have voiced concern over the economic fallout.
In retaliation, Beijing announced that it will introduce a 34% tariff on American goods, set to take effect on Thursday. This move highlights the intensifying economic standoff between the world’s two largest economies.
Despite the tough rhetoric, China’s Commerce Ministry reiterated on Tuesday that it remains open to talks, stressing that “dialogue is the preferred path” and cautioning that “in a trade war, no side emerges as a winner.”
