China is refusing to back down in the wake of Donald Trump’s latest controversial tariff threats.
The president peeved off dozens countries around the world last week when he unveiled a hefty list of tariffs on its trading partners in a bid to ‘Make America Wealthy Again.’
Most of the US’ trading partners were hit with a baseline levy of at least 10 percent over the weekend, while as many as 60 countries are bracing for higher tariffs from Wednesday (April 9).
In his ‘Liberation Day’ speech, Trump specifically identified the European Union and China as the biggest culprits who ‘rip us off’ the most, and outlined reciprocal tariffs of 20 percent and 34 percent respectively.
The announcement came as the administration had already imposed 20 percent tariffs on China earlier this year, presenting a 54 percent hike overall, as apparently punishment for fentanyl trafficking.
Trump doubled down by calling China the “biggest abuser of them all” in terms of trade practices.
In response, Beijing hit back on Sunday (April 6), as global markets took a hit, threatening a 34% counter-tariff on U.S. goods.
Trump then pushed China to scrap the levy by Tuesday (April 8), warning that failure to comply would trigger an additional 50% tariff—bringing the total U.S. tax on Chinese imports to a staggering 104%.
China is now holding its ground, slamming the U.S. with accusations of “blackmail” and “bullying.”
In a statement, China’s Commerce Ministry condemned the move, calling the so-called “reciprocal tariffs” completely baseless and a “typical act of unilateral bullying.”
China also warned that more counter-tariffs could be introduced to hit U.S. goods, as the trade war shows no signs of cooling.
“The countermeasures China has taken are aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as maintaining the normal international trade order. They are entirely legitimate,” the Commerce Ministry stated.
It went on to criticize the U.S. tariff threats as “a mistake on top of a mistake,” accusing Washington of resorting to blackmail once again.
“China will never accept this. If the U.S. insists on going down this path, China will fight to the end.”
At a press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry doubled down, accusing the U.S. of “economic bullying” and of destabilizing the global economy.
Spokesperson Lin Jian said the U.S. misuse of tariffs “seriously violates” global trade agreements, stressing that “trade wars have no winners.”
“If the U.S. insists on pushing ahead with this tariff and trade war—ignoring the interests of both nations and the international community—China will play along to the end,” Lin added.
The response from Beijing follows Trump’s post on Truth Social yesterday, where he warned:
“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.
“Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”
The aggressive move could push China to redirect its exports toward other trading partners, flood global markets with cheaper goods, and form stronger alliances—while American consumers may face higher prices as a result.
Amid volatile financial markets, economists and business leaders—including billionaire investor and Trump supporter Bill Ackman—are now urging the president to reconsider and delay the tariff escalation.
