In response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%, China on Thursday issued a stern warning, stating it does not seek confrontation but will not back down under pressure.
“China’s position is clear and consistent,” said He Yongqian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. “If the US wants to talk, our door remains open, but dialogue must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and equality.”
The sharp increase in tariffs marks the most significant escalation in the trade standoff between the world’s two largest economies. On Wednesday, Trump announced a 90-day tariff reprieve for over 75 countries, excluding China from the relaxation. The US cited what it described as “escalation” from Beijing, referring to China’s move to raise duties on US products from 34% to 84%.
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“Pressure, threats, and blackmail are not the right way to deal with China,” He Yongqian emphasized, reiterating that there are no winners in a trade war.
“If Washington insists on its own way, China will follow through to the end,” she warned, indicating that Beijing is prepared for prolonged economic conflict if necessary.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, defending the US stance, said the new tariffs are part of a broader negotiation strategy aimed at pressuring China into addressing long-standing trade grievances.
“It’s about bad actors,” Bessent said. “China is the biggest source of the US trade problems.”
The exclusion of China from the global tariff pause is seen as a signal that Washington is willing to further isolate Beijing economically unless it agrees to US demands. However, with both nations now entrenched in retaliatory actions, the prospect of a swift resolution appears increasingly distant.
As global markets react to the latest developments, economists warn that continued tit-for-tat tariffs could have far-reaching consequences for international trade and economic stability.
