China is standing its ground following Donald Trump’s latest round of controversial tariff threats.
The former president sparked international backlash last week after revealing a sweeping list of tariffs aimed at U.S. trading partners as part of his push to “Make America Wealthy Again.”
Over the weekend, most of America’s trade allies were slapped with baseline tariffs of at least 10 percent, while up to 60 countries are bracing for even steeper hikes set to take effect on Wednesday, April 9.
In his ‘Liberation Day’ speech, Trump singled out the European Union and China as the primary offenders who “rip us off the most,” announcing reciprocal tariffs of 20 percent on the EU and 34 percent on China.
The announcement followed the administration’s earlier move to impose 20 percent tariffs on China earlier this year, bringing the total increase to 54 percent—reportedly as a form of punishment for the country’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking.
Donald Trump has given China a deadline of Tuesday – or face an 104 percent tariffs hike
However, Beijing struck back on Sunday, April 6, as global stock markets took a hit, threatening to impose a 34 percent counter-tariff on U.S. imports.
In response, Trump urged China to remove the levy by Tuesday, April 8, or face an additional 50 percent tax, pushing the total tariff on Chinese imports to a combined 104 percent.
Now, China is holding its ground, accusing the U.S. of “blackmail” and “bullying.”
China’s Commerce Ministry stated earlier today that the U.S. imposition of “so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs'” on China is “completely groundless” and a prime example of unilateral bullying.
The stock market is still reeling from the shock
The ministry also warned that additional counter-tariffs could be imposed on American goods as the trade war intensifies.
“The countermeasures taken by China are designed to protect its sovereignty, security, and development interests, as well as maintain the normal international trade order. They are entirely legitimate,” the statement concluded.
“The U.S. threat to escalate tariffs on China is yet another mistake on top of previous ones, and it once again reveals the blackmailing tactics of the U.S.,” said the statement.
“China will never accept this. If the U.S. insists on its course, China will fight to the end.”
In a news briefing, China’s foreign ministry accused the U.S. of “economic bullying” and of “destabilizing” global economies.
Lin Jian further criticized America’s “abuse” of tariffs, claiming it “seriously infringes” on global trade agreements. He told reporters, “Trade wars have no winners.”
“If the U.S. insists on continuing the tariff and trade war, disregarding the interests of both countries and the international community, China will see it through to the end,” Jian added.
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China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the country isn’t backing down from Trump’s threats
The response comes after Trump posted on Truth Social yesterday: “If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trade 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!”
This move could provide China with an incentive to flood other trading markets with cheaper goods and form stronger partnerships, all while raising costs for American consumers.
Amid fluctuating financial markets, economists and business leaders, including billionaire Trump ally Bill Ackman, are urging the U.S. president to reconsider or pause his tariff plans.
