China Threatens ‘War’ Over Trump’s Expanded Tariffs, Vows to Fight Back
Amid escalating trade tensions, China has responded sharply to President Donald Trump’s vow to impose further tariffs on Chinese goods, warning that it is ready for a “tariff war” or “any other type of war.”
The threat comes after Trump’s announcement of new tariffs on China, part of his broader effort to address trade imbalances and combat the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.
Trump revealed during his Tuesday night address to Congress that the additional tariffs, including “reciprocal tariffs” and non-tariff actions, are aimed at addressing years of trade imbalances. The president also linked these measures to the ongoing fentanyl crisis, accusing China of failing to curb the flow of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the U.S.
However, China’s response has been fierce, with the foreign affairs ministry making clear its defiance.
“If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end,” a spokesperson posted on X.
The Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., Xie Feng, echoed the statement, further emphasizing Beijing’s readiness to stand firm, the Daily Mail reports.
The proposed tariffs could impact up to $2.2 trillion in annual trade, with significant consequences for both economies. Trump’s remarks came on the heels of the new 25 percent tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, which took effect Tuesday.
His decision follows claims that America’s top trading partners, including China, have failed to take sufficient action against fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.
In response, Beijing has rejected Trump’s allegations, calling the fentanyl crisis a “flimsy excuse” for increasing tariffs. The Chinese government has accused the U.S. of using “blackmail” tactics and warned that “intimidation does not scare us.”
“Bullying does not work on us,” said the foreign affairs ministry. “Pressuring, coercion or threats are not the right way of dealing with China.”
Trump has been adamant that the U.S. is now in a position to retaliate after years of being on the losing end of unfair trade practices.
“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn,” Trump stated, listing high duties imposed by countries such as India, South Korea, the European Union and China.
However, Beijing warned that such maximum pressure tactics would backfire, with the foreign ministry saying, “Anyone using maximum pressure on China is picking the wrong guy and miscalculating.”
The Chinese government also rejected accusations that it is to blame for the fentanyl crisis in the U.S., stating that the responsibility lies with the U.S. itself. Beijing further emphasized its efforts to assist the U.S. in combating the crisis, saying, “We have taken robust steps to assist the US. in dealing with the issue.”
China contends that the U.S. has mischaracterized its efforts and used tariffs as a form of punishment.
In a reflection of the growing tension, Ambassador Feng reiterated the foreign ministry’s stance, echoing the warning of an all-out war if the U.S. continues its aggressive tariff policy. Trump, despite his tough stance, has previously praised his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping and expressed optimism about their ability to manage international challenges, such as the conflict in Ukraine.
Relations between Washington and Beijing have been fraught with tension since Trump’s first term, with economic rivalries growing more contentious, the Daily Mail notes.
Despite these challenges, Trump and Xi discussed trade, fentanyl, and even issues like TikTok during a phone call earlier this year. Following the call, Trump praised the conversation and expressed hope for improved relations.
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