China is standing firm on its decision to impose retaliatory tariffs despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to dramatically increase tariffs on Chinese goods.
In response to Trump’s announcement last week of varying tariffs targeting about 60 countries, Beijing implemented a 34% tariff on U.S. imports. The White House has since revealed that the tariff rate on Chinese goods will rise to 104%, starting from 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, citing China’s refusal to withdraw its own trade levies.
President Trump had previously approved additional tariffs of 50% on Chinese goods, following earlier rounds of 20% and 34% tariffs that had already taken effect.
In a strongly worded statement, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Trump administration of resorting to “intimidation, threat, and blackmail” in its approach to the ongoing trade conflict.
A spokesperson for the ministry, posting on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, stated: “The Chinese are not troublemakers, but we will not back away when trouble comes. Intimidation, threat, and blackmail are not the right way to engage with China. We will not let anyone take away the Chinese people’s legitimate right to development.”
The ministry emphasized that China will not tolerate any attempt to undermine its sovereignty, security, or development interests.
“The U.S. doesn’t seem to be serious about having talks right now. If the U.S. truly wants to talk, it should let people see that they’re ready to treat others with equality, respect, and mutual benefit,” the statement continued.
“If the U.S. decides not to care about the interests of the U.S. itself, China, and the rest of the world, and is determined to fight a tariff/trade war, China’s response will continue to the end.”