Beijing Warns of Retaliation After Trump Slaps 125% Tariffs on Chinese Imports
China issued a firm warning on Thursday in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, signaling it will not remain idle as tensions between the two nations escalate. Beijing criticized the move as a direct challenge not just to China, but to the global economic system.
Speaking at a press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the tariff hike, asserting that the U.S. action “goes against the interests of the international community” and poses a serious threat to the stability of the global trading framework. He emphasized that the Chinese government “will not sit by” while the rights and interests of its citizens are undermined. “The American approach lacks global support and is bound to fail,” Lin stated.
China’s Commerce Ministry also echoed the sentiment, with spokesperson He Yongqian urging Washington to meet Beijing “halfway” and commit to fair negotiations. “We’re open to dialogue, but it must be grounded in mutual respect and equality,” she said. Still, she warned that if a resolution cannot be reached, China is prepared to “stand firm and respond decisively.”
Trump’s decision came a day after he temporarily froze increased tariffs on other nations that chose to pursue negotiations rather than retaliate. In a post on his social media platform, Trump accused China of disrespecting international markets and announced that the 125% tariff increase would take effect immediately. He declared that the era of China “taking advantage of” the United States is over and expressed hope that Beijing would soon come to the table with a more cooperative stance.
