China Strongly Opposes U.S. Tariff Threats, Calls for De-Escalation
Trade tensions are heating up again between the United States and China. After President Donald Trump warned of possibly doubling tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing fired back with sharp criticism, calling the move reckless and damaging to global economic stability.
The Chinese government released a statement through its Ministry of Commerce on Monday, condemning the latest threat and warning that further escalation could lead to serious consequences not just for China and the U.S., but for the entire global economy.
Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs If China Doesn’t Back Down
President Trump recently said that if China doesn’t remove its current retaliatory tariffs, he would consider raising existing U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports to 50%. The announcement shocked markets and reignited fears of another full-blown trade war like the one witnessed during his first term.
“We’re not going to pause the tariffs. If China wants to keep playing hardball, we will double down,” Trump said during a press conference.
These comments come amid growing concerns that the administration’s aggressive stance could derail ongoing international trade negotiations.
China Warns of "Grave Consequences"
China responded by calling the threat "deeply irresponsible" and accused the U.S. of violating basic rules of fair trade. In its official statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce urged the U.S. to "exercise restraint" and return to "constructive dialogue" instead of applying pressure through unilateral actions.
“Unilateral tariff threats are harmful to the global economy and undermine mutual trust,” the statement read. “We reserve the right to take necessary countermeasures.”
Global Markets React with Caution
The back-and-forth between the world’s two biggest economies has already sent a chill through global markets. U.S. stocks saw a dip, while Asian and European indices also dropped, reflecting investor anxiety over renewed trade hostilities.
Market analysts say that any further tariff hikes could lead to higher prices for consumers, supply chain disruptions, and slower global growth.
What’s at Stake for the U.S.?
While President Trump says his tariff policy is designed to protect American industries and correct unfair trade imbalances, many business leaders in the U.S. are worried. They argue that higher tariffs could backfire, resulting in increased costs for U.S. companies and consumers.
“We need fair trade, not trade wars,” said a U.S. Chamber of Commerce spokesperson. “Businesses need stability, not uncertainty.”
The White House has not yet confirmed whether any further talks with China are scheduled.