 "'Not the right way': China says will retaliate to US threats")
China on Monday strongly rejected recent US restrictions and sanctions, pledging to take necessary steps to protect its legitimate rights and interests. The response follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports, sparking renewed strain between Washington and Beijing.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated on X, “China firmly rejects the recent US restrictions and sanctions on China, and will do what is necessary to protect its legitimate rights and interests.”
He criticised Washington’s tariff threats, urging the US to “correct its approach” and uphold the “common understandings reached by the two presidents in their phone calls.” Lin emphasised that both nations should resolve differences through dialogue, equality, and mutual respect to ensure stability in bilateral relations.
A spokesperson for China’s ministry of commerce echoed the sentiment, saying, “Resorting to threats of high tariffs is not the right way to engage with China.” The official warned that if the US continues acting unilaterally, China will “resolutely take corresponding measures.” The ministry reaffirmed that while Beijing does not seek a tariff war, it “is not afraid of one.”
Trade war fears deepen as tariff threats escalate
The latest escalation follows China’s move last week to impose export restrictions on rare earth minerals, a sector in which it holds dominant global control. Trump responded by announcing additional tariffs and export controls on critical software from November 1. The developments have unsettled global markets and raised doubts over a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea in two weeks.
On Tuesday, China reiterated its stance, declaring readiness to “fight to the end” if the US proceeds with new tariffs. “If you wish to fight, we shall fight to the end; if you wish to negotiate, our door remains open,” said a commerce ministry statement. The ministry added that the US “cannot simultaneously seek dialogue while threatening restrictive measures.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTrump later appeared to soften his tone, writing on Truth Social, “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine! Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment… The USA wants to help China, not hurt it!!!”
Despite this, uncertainty persists, with markets reacting sharply and fears of another tariff war reminiscent of earlier clashes, when duties on imports reached about 145 percent for Chinese goods and 120 percent for American goods.
Meanwhile, China’s economy showed resilience amid the tensions. Official data released Monday revealed an 8.3 percent year-on-year rise in exports for September, the fastest since March, with shipments to the US totalling $34.3 billion. Currently, Chinese goods face US tariffs of at least 30 percent, while Beijing’s retaliatory levies stand at 10 percent.
The White House maintains that tariffs will ultimately benefit the United States, pointing to their limited economic impact so far. The global implications of the tariff standoff are expected to dominate discussions at this week’s International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in Washington.
(With agency inputs)
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