Beijing has vowed to implement strong countermeasures in response to the United States’ latest round of steep tariffs, which came into force on Wednesday. The Chinese government expressed strong opposition to what it described as unfair and aggressive trade policies by Washington.
“The United States continues to exert extreme pressure through arbitrary tariffs,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. “China resolutely opposes this kind of coercive behavior and will not tolerate it.” He added that if the U.S. wishes to resolve trade disputes, it must do so based on mutual respect, equality, and shared benefit.
The tariff escalation has further strained economic relations between the world’s two largest economies. President Trump’s latest move includes a total of 104% in tariffs on Chinese goods, following an earlier 34% increase. The decision reportedly stemmed from China’s refusal to back down after promising to impose equal retaliatory tariffs on American products.
President Trump, who had already reimposed 20% tariffs since returning to office, added an additional 50% to the most recent round when Beijing failed to change course. Although China has yet to respond with specific retaliatory measures, officials have signaled that counteractions are under consideration.
In a document outlining the current state of its trade relationship with the U.S., China highlighted the damage caused by Washington’s “unilateral and protectionist policies.” The white paper also reaffirmed Beijing’s preference for dialogue, but warned that China would act decisively if provoked further.
An unnamed official from China’s Commerce Ministry, speaking in a written Q&A about the document, reiterated that while China is not seeking a trade war, it would not remain passive if its national interests are undermined. “We have the tools and the determination to respond with strength,” the official noted. “Escalation by the U.S. will be met with firm countermeasures.”
The official criticized the U.S. for attempting to dismantle the existing global trade system and for disrupting established supply chains. They emphasized that economic disagreements between large nations are natural, but stressed the need for resolving them through respectful negotiations.
Despite the government’s confident tone, concerns are rising among Chinese business owners. A toy manufacturer from Shantou, identified only as Ms. Ye, expressed anxiety over the possible impact of the tariffs. She said her company may halt shipments to the U.S. and is weighing whether to pull out of the American market entirely. “I can only smile bitterly,” she said. “I’m afraid I’ll lose my job.”
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged a stronger regional approach. At a two-day Communist Party meeting focused on diplomacy with neighboring countries, Xi called for a more integrated and cooperative economic future in Asia. An official statement emphasized the importance of building trust with neighboring nations, resolving disputes peacefully, and enhancing supply chain collaboration.
Though the timing of the meeting may have been planned in advance, it aligns with China’s broader strategy of leveraging regional partnerships amid global trade tensions. The last such gathering took place in 2013.
In recent weeks, China has held economic discussions with Japan and South Korea—both key U.S. allies affected by American tariffs. At the same time, several Southeast Asian nations, also impacted by the tariff war, are seeking adjustments or delays to avoid economic fallout.
As tensions rise, China appears determined to defend its interests while signaling an openness to negotiation—so long as it’s treated as an equal partner.
