China to ‘Fight to the End,’ Warns of Retaliation Over Trump’s Tariffs/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ China vowed to “fight to the end” after President Donald Trump threatened another 50% tariff on Chinese imports, escalating a trade war that’s already shaken global markets. Beijing labeled the U.S. approach “bullying” and warned of further countermeasures. The tariff standoff now threatens global trade stability and economic growth.
China Vows Retaliation After Trump Escalates Trade War: Quick Looks
- Trump threatens 50% tariffs on China if it doesn’t back down.
- China says it will “fight to the end” and defend national interests.
- Beijing brands U.S. actions “unilateral bullying” and “blackmail.”
- Trump’s tariffs could raise total duties on China to 104%.
- Chinese consumers and businesses brace for economic fallout.
- EU seen as alternative trade partner as U.S.-China ties strain.
- China could suspend fentanyl cooperation, raise agri quotas, target U.S. services.
- Hong Kong’s chief executive slams tariffs as “ruthless” and “bullying.”
- Chinese citizens express concern but support national resilience.
- Global markets remain volatile amid escalating trade tensions.
China to ‘Fight to the End,’ Warns of Retaliation Over Trump’s Tariffs
Deep Look
China Warns It Will “Fight to the End” as Trump Threatens More Tariffs
China responded with defiance Tuesday after President Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, escalating an already intense trade conflict. Beijing vowed to “fight to the end” and warned of further countermeasures if Washington follows through with its latest threats.
“The so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’ imposed by the U.S. are completely groundless and constitute typical unilateral bullying,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. “If the U.S. insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.”
This newest threat from Trump came Monday via a post on his Truth Social platform, where he demanded China withdraw its 34% retaliatory tariffs by April 8. If not, he warned, an additional 50% tariff would take effect on April 9 — a move that could push U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 104%.
Beijing Rejects U.S. Demands
China dismissed the ultimatum, calling it a continuation of “blackmailing” and warned that U.S. actions are destabilizing the global trading system. “The countermeasures China has taken are legitimate and necessary to protect its sovereignty and development interests,” the ministry said.
Chinese officials hinted at broader retaliation, potentially targeting U.S. trade in services like finance and law, agricultural imports, or cooperation on combating fentanyl trafficking — a flashpoint Trump has previously cited for punitive trade actions.
Economic Fallout Widens
Trump’s tariff push is already having a ripple effect. Last week’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs triggered stock market sell-offs worldwide, with analysts warning of looming price hikes and possible recession. If enforced, the latest tariffs could raise consumer prices, disrupt global supply chains, and prompt China to redirect exports to other countries, particularly within the European Union.
U.S. trade with China was valued at $582 billion in 2024. America’s goods and services deficit with China ranged from $263 billion to $295 billion, highlighting the stakes of this growing economic rift.
Chinese Citizens Brace for Impact
On the streets of Beijing, ordinary Chinese citizens are growing concerned, even if they remain publicly supportive of their government’s stance. Many voiced skepticism about Trump’s tactics but also acknowledged that prolonged tariffs could hurt local businesses.
“Trump says one thing today and another tomorrow,” said Wu Qi, a 37-year-old construction worker. “Anyway, he just wants benefits, so he can say whatever he wants.”
Paul Wang, a 30-year-old exporter of accessories to Europe, said he’s now focusing more on EU markets, which are becoming increasingly important amid uncertainty in U.S.-China trade.
Others, like Jessi Huang and Yang Aijia — who rely on U.S. chemical imports — say they fear their businesses won’t survive if tariffs and Chinese retaliation continue. “It would be very hard, and we might have to shut down,” Huang said. “If I lose my job, I might not find another.”
Diplomatic Channels Stalling
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian downplayed the likelihood of any breakthrough talks. “If the U.S. really wants to engage in dialogue, it should adopt an attitude of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit,” Lin said, implying that China sees little sincerity from Washington.
Trump has said all talks with China would be suspended if Beijing doesn’t comply with his demands. That declaration seems to have further hardened Beijing’s position.
Hong Kong Denounces U.S. Move
In Hong Kong, Chief Executive John Lee blasted the U.S. tariffs as “ruthless behavior” that undermines global trade and increases uncertainty. He pledged that Hong Kong would deepen its integration with mainland China, pursue new free trade deals, and support businesses affected by the escalating trade war.
Lee’s remarks align with Beijing’s wider strategy to pivot toward non-U.S. markets and strengthen internal economic resilience.
What Comes Next?
While markets momentarily steadied Tuesday, uncertainty remains high. Any move by the U.S. to implement the threatened 50% tariffs will likely prompt immediate retaliation from Beijing, potentially pushing the two countries into a full-scale trade war with consequences for the global economy.
Analysts say China still has multiple levers it can pull — from restricting U.S. company operations in China to retaliatory regulatory measures.
For now, both sides appear unwilling to back down, leaving global markets and supply chains in a precarious position.
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