U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated a trade dispute with China, Canada, and Mexico by doubling tariffs on Chinese goods to 20%.
In response, the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing would “fight till the end” after Trump announced the increase during a speech to Congress on Tuesday. He admitted the move could cause “a little disturbance.”
This development was covered by Euronews.
"If the U.S. seeks conflict—whether through tariffs, trade, or other means—we are prepared to fight to the very end," the embassy wrote on X, quoting China’s foreign ministry.
China hit back with tariffs of up to 15% on major U.S. farm products like chicken, pork, soybeans, and beef. It also added 10 more U.S. companies to its “unreliable entity list,” blocking them from trade and investment with China.
"China will not be intimidated by pressure or coercion. Bullying tactics will not succeed," a foreign ministry spokesperson declared.
Trump’s new tariffs took effect on Tuesday, while China’s will start next Monday.
Beijing also rejected Trump’s claim that the tariff hike was due to China’s role in the U.S. fentanyl crisis.
The U.S. accuses Chinese companies of supplying chemicals used to make fentanyl, a drug linked to many overdose deaths in the U.S. China called this a "weak excuse" for raising tariffs, saying the U.S. should take responsibility for its own drug crisis.
"We have taken strong measures to help Washington combat this issue, yet they punish us for our cooperation," Beijing stated.
Trump also expanded the trade war to Canada and Mexico, imposing a 25% tariff on imports from both countries just after midnight on Tuesday.
"This will be even better," Trump told Congress.
Both Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have promised to respond with their own tariffs.
