The Chinese government has issued a strong rebuke against the US threat to impose additional 50% tariffs on Chinese goods, warning that Beijing will take resolute countermeasures if Washington escalates trade tensions. The statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Tuesday underscores the deepening rift between the world’s two largest economies, with Beijing accusing the US of “unilateral bullying” and economic coercion.
MOFCOM dismissed the US proposal for higher tariffs as baseless, calling it a “typical unilateral bullying practice.” The ministry emphasized that China’s previous countermeasures were necessary to defend its sovereignty, security, and development interests while upholding fair international trade rules.
“The US’ threat to escalate tariffs is a grave mistake on top of an existing one, which once again exposes the US’ blackmail nature,” the MOFCOM spokesperson stated. “China will never accept this. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end
Reiterating its long-standing stance, China warned that trade wars and protectionism harm both sides, stressing that pressure tactics will not force Beijing into concessions. Instead, the ministry urged the US to “immediately correct its wrong practices” by lifting all unilateral tariffs and ending what it sees as economic suppression.
“Pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China,” the spokesperson said, calling for dialogue based on mutual respect
The latest exchange signals a potential return to the trade war dynamics seen during the Trump administration, when both nations imposed billions in tariffs. With the Biden administration now considering even steeper levies, analysts fear further disruptions to global supply chains and market stability.
China’s defiant response suggests that any new US tariffs will trigger immediate retaliation, prolonging economic uncertainty. As both powers dig in, the path to de-escalation remains unclear, raising concerns over a prolonged standoff with far-reaching consequences for the global economy.
For now, Beijing’s message is clear: it will not back down, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation unless diplomacy prevails.
