China has pledged to take “resolute and effective measures” in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s new 104% tariffs on Chinese imports, which came into effect on Wednesday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the move, calling it “arbitrary” and “bullying behavior,” and emphasized that China would never accept such pressure. He urged the U.S. to adopt an attitude of “equality, respect, and mutual benefit” if it truly wants to resolve the trade dispute through dialogue.
The latest U.S. tariffs include a sudden 50% increase, added on top of an expected 34% hike, following Beijing’s vow to impose its own 34% retaliatory tariffs. Since returning to office, Trump has already levied 20% tariffs on Chinese goods.
While Beijing has yet to announce immediate countermeasures, it has made its stance clear—China is ready to retaliate if necessary. A newly released white paper by the Chinese government blamed Washington for damaging bilateral economic ties through “unilateral and protectionist measures.”
An unnamed Commerce Ministry official stated that although China does not seek a trade war, it “will never sit idly by” while its rights are harmed. They stressed that China has “ample tools” to respond and would carry through with any countermeasures if provoked.
Amid the escalating tensions, some Chinese business owners, like Ms. Ye, a toy seller from Shantou, expressed concern about job losses. Her company is already considering halting shipments to the U.S.
Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping, without directly addressing the tariffs, emphasized strengthening ties with neighboring countries at a major diplomatic conference. The meeting’s statement called for closer regional cooperation and managing disputes effectively—potentially signaling China’s intent to offset U.S. pressure by expanding influence in Asia.
Recently, China held trade talks with Japan and South Korea—both U.S. allies affected by Trump’s tariffs—and Southeast Asian countries have also requested delays.
Trump, addressing Republican lawmakers Tuesday night, mocked foreign leaders’ reactions to the tariffs, saying, “They are calling us up… dying to make a deal.”
