U.S. - China Trade Clash Deepens: "Fight to the End," Says Beijing

Tensions continue to rise in the ongoing global trade war as the U.S. President Donald Trump issued a fresh warning to China, threatening to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods.

This comes on the heels of China’s announcement of 34% retaliatory tariffs against the United States, which were introduced last week in response to what Beijing calls longstanding unfair trade practices by Washington.

Taking to social media on Monday, Trump criticized China’s move and reiterated his stance against what he described as “record-setting tariffs, non-monetary barriers, illegal subsidisation of companies, and long-term currency manipulation.”

He warned that if China does not reverse its 34% tariff hike, he will proceed with implementing the additional 50% tariff, which would take effect on Wednesday.

Trump also announced that all ongoing trade talks with China would be terminated if Beijing continued to escalate the situation.

According to CN Autonews, in response, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a strong statement condemning the U.S. threats. China firmly opposes the proposed escalation and warned that it would take resolute countermeasures to protect its national interests if the U.S. follows through.

Calling the U.S. move a “typical unilateral bullying practice,” the Chinese spokesperson emphasized that their own measures were legitimate acts of defense aimed at safeguarding sovereignty, security, and development rights, as well as upholding the international trade order.

China accused the U.S. of engaging in blackmail and warned that if Washington continues on its current path, Beijing is prepared to “fight to the end.” The spokesperson stressed that no country wins in a trade war and that protectionism offers no viable solution.

China urged the U.S. to reverse its tariff measures, stop suppressing China’s economy, and return to equal dialogue grounded in mutual respect to resolve the dispute.