China has issued a sharp rebuke to Washington following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods, escalating fears of a renewed global trade war.
The Chinese government urged the U.S. to “immediately cancel” the measures and warned of countermeasures to defend its interests.
A New Trade Clash Emerges
The U.S. announced a 34% tariff on Chinese exports, building on a previous 20% duty introduced earlier this year. Combined, the levies now total 54%, nearing the 60% rate Trump had floated during his presidential campaign.
As reported by HotNews, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce denounced the move as a violation of long-standing global trade norms and promised a firm response.
“These measures show utter disregard for the mutual benefits of global trade,” the ministry stated. “China firmly opposes this and will take countermeasures to safeguard its rights and interests.”
In addition to tariffs, Trump signed an executive order closing the “de minimis” loophole, which had allowed small-value packages from China and Hong Kong to enter the U.S. duty-free.
China’s Strategic Calculations
While the tariffs are expected to hurt specific export sectors, experts say they are unlikely to derail China’s broader economy. William Hurst of Cambridge University said the measures would “cause real pain in some sectors” but noted that U.S. exports have become less critical to China over time.
Instead, Beijing is expected to boost trade with alternative markets across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa.
Still, analysts warn that such shifts are fraught with logistical challenges and could intensify price wars, particularly among manufacturers operating with already razor-thin margins.
Despite the tension, China has maintained its 2025 growth target of around 5% and is preparing additional domestic stimulus in response to external shocks.
A Showdown Between Xi and Trump?
The tariffs come amid speculation that Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could meet in June for high-level talks. However, both leaders face domestic and international pressure not to appear conciliatory.
“Trump and Xi are locked in a paradox of pressure and pride,” said Craig Singleton of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “Neither wants to blink first—but the longer they wait, the harder resolution becomes.”
As global markets brace for the fallout, Beijing’s message remains clear: it is preparing for a drawn-out economic standoff, with diplomatic overtures unlikely to succeed without U.S. concessions.
