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| China vows to defend its position; retaliates with equivalent tariffs and export controls. |
China Slams Trump’s Tariff Escalation as Tensions Intensify in Global Trade Dispute
DECK
Beijing labels new US tariff threats as aggressive missteps, vowing to resist while promoting itself as a stabilizing force in global trade.
KEY FACTS
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What: US imposes additional 34% tariffs on all Chinese imports.
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Where: China–US bilateral trade relations.
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When: Tariff hike announced Wednesday; retaliation followed Friday.
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Why: US demands removal of China’s counter-tariffs.
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Response: China vows to defend its position; retaliates with equivalent tariffs and export controls.
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Impact: Heightened uncertainty in global markets; concerns over broader economic disruption.
SITUATION SNAPSHOT
Markets trembled as another round of tit-for-tat tariffs flared between Washington and Beijing. The economic tension crackled like static through financial centers across Asia and the US, with both governments hunkering down for what appears to be a drawn-out trade battle. In Beijing, officials presented a united front, framing their resolve as both a defense and a strategy for growth.
WHAT WE KNOW
The US president has unveiled a fresh 34% tariff on Chinese goods, raising cumulative import duties to over 54%. In response, China matched the rate with its own tariffs on American goods and expanded its response to include restrictions on rare earth exports and targeted actions against specific US firms.
On Monday, Washington warned of another round of penalties—an additional 50%—should Beijing fail to lift its tariffs by Tuesday. In parallel, the US canceled proposed diplomatic meetings, increasing the risk of prolonged economic friction.
WHAT’S NEXT
Chinese officials are expected to issue further measures to support domestic industries and attract foreign investors. US authorities may convene further press briefings to justify their strategy. Analysts anticipate more retaliatory moves before any diplomatic thaw. Global markets are watching closely for any signs of economic instability in Asia or disruptions to supply chains.
VOICES ON THE GROUND
‘The US threat to escalate tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake,’ said China’s Ministry of Commerce.
‘China will never accept it. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.’
‘US tariffs will have an impact (on China), but ‘the sky won’t fall,’’ noted a Sunday commentary in People’s Daily.
‘The more pressure we get, the stronger we become.’
‘China is sending a significant message to the world: we cannot back down or tolerate US bullying, as tolerance ultimately leads to more bullying,’ said Liu Zhiqin of Renmin University.
‘We’re ready to compete with the US in redefining the new global trade system,’ added Professor Ju Jiandong of Tsinghua University.
CONTEXT
This standoff follows years of rising trade tensions that began with the initial wave of tariffs in 2017. Since then, global supply chains have been repeatedly disrupted. The Chinese government is leveraging the crisis to highlight its institutional resilience and pivot toward strengthening domestic demand.
Economic dialogue between China and several nations including Japan, South Korea, and the EU continues, as countries seek alternatives in the face of US trade unpredictability. Many Southeast Asian economies have already felt the sting of the US tariff campaign, sparking regional unease.
In Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned of ‘a seismic change in the global order,’ noting that the rules-based system of globalization may be giving way to something more ‘protectionist and dangerous.’
REPORTER INSIGHT
Reporting from the pulse of Asia’s economic centers, it’s clear the atmosphere is one of wary calculation. Businesses are weighing their options, citizens are bracing for price shifts, and policymakers are preparing for an era where strategic resilience could define a country’s future in the global economy.
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