China has issued a resolute response to President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, vowing to “fight to the end” and labeling the U.S. actions as “blackmail.” The situation escalated after Trump warned that he would impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods if Beijing does not withdraw its 34% tariffs on U.S. imports by April 8, 2025. If implemented, the total tariffs on Chinese imports into the U.S. would reach 104%.
China’s Resolute Stance
China’s Commerce Ministry released a statement condemning the U.S. imposition of “so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs'” as “completely groundless and a typical unilateral bullying practice.” The ministry emphasized that China’s countermeasures are aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, security, and development interests, and maintaining the normal international trade order. It added that the U.S. threat to escalate tariffs is a “mistake on top of a mistake” and once again exposes the “blackmailing nature” of the U.S.
Economic And Market Reactions
Global stock markets have been significantly impacted by the tariff war. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 2,231.07 points, or 5.5%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite fell 5.97% and 5.82%, respectively. In China, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong climbed about 1.58% after its biggest single-day decline in nearly three decades, while China’s blue-chip CSI 300 Index rose 0.9%.
Call For Negotiation
Despite the strong rhetoric, China has also extended an olive branch, urging Washington to return to the negotiating table. “We advocate resolving disputes through dialogue and cooperation,” the ministry stated, “but we will not hesitate to defend our legitimate rights and interests.”