China pledges to fight Trump to the end

Edited by Yiannis Damellos

BEIJING (AP) — In a decisive response to President Donald Trump's threat of an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports, China declared on Tuesday its intention to “fight to the end” and implement countermeasures to protect its national interests. The Commerce Ministry characterized the U.S. approach as “completely groundless” and a manifestation of “typical unilateral bullying practices.”

As the world’s second-largest economy, China has already enacted retaliatory tariffs and hinted that further actions may be forthcoming. The ministry stated, “The countermeasures China has taken are aimed at preserving its sovereignty, security, and developmental interests while upholding the normal international trade order. These measures are entirely legitimate.”

The ministry further emphasized that the U.S. threat to escalate tariffs is a misguided action that reveals the coercive nature of the United States. “China will never accept this. If the U.S. insists on pursuing its unilateral agenda, China will fight to the end,” it asserted.

Trump's recent tariff threats have reignited concerns about the intensification of a destructive trade war, causing increased volatility in stock markets from Tokyo to New York. This escalation follows China’s announcement of retaliatory measures against the U.S. tariffs introduced the previous week.

“If China does not withdraw its 34% increase in response to their long-term trading abuses by April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th,” Trump stated on Truth Social. He also declared that all discussions with China regarding their requests for meetings would be terminated.

Should these tariffs be imposed, cumulative U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods would surge to 104%. This increase not only risks raising prices for American consumers but could also drive China to diversify its trading relationships, particularly with the European Union, as it looks to redirect its goods to other markets.

Throughout his first term, Trump frequently touted stock market gains as a sign of economic success, but the current threat of market instability has raised alarms over the sustainability of his economic policies. However, Trump remains steadfast, stating, “I don’t mind going through it because I see a beautiful picture at the end.”

Administration officials have made various appearances to promote Trump’s policies, yet these efforts have failed to soothe the markets. A glimmer of optimism arose briefly from a false report suggesting that economic adviser Kevin Hassett proposed a pause on tariffs, leading to a temporary spike in stock prices until the White House categorically denied the claims as “fake news.”

With China as one of the U.S.'s primary trading partners, especially in consumer goods, the imposition of tariffs represents an indirect tax on imports that ultimately burdens American consumers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that the European Union may look to expand trade partnerships beyond the United States, highlighting the “vast opportunities” available elsewhere.

In 2024, total goods trade between the U.S. and China was estimated at $582 billion, solidifying China’s position as the U.S.'s top trading partner. The trade deficit with China in goods and services for 2024 ranged between $263 billion and $295 billion.

In Hong Kong, Chief Executive John Lee condemned the latest U.S. tariffs as “bullying,” arguing that the "ruthless behavior” of the U.S. has jeopardized global and multilateral trade, introducing significant risks and uncertainties. Lee reiterated the city’s commitment to aligning its economy more closely with China’s development, pursuing additional free trade agreements, attracting foreign investments, and supporting local enterprises in navigating the impacts of these tariffs.