China has responded strongly to President Donald Trump’s plan to increase tariffs, saying it is ready for a “tariff war” or “any other type of war.”
Trump, 78, introduced a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada on Tuesday and added new taxes on Chinese goods. In his address to Congress that night, he said more tariffs would follow on April 2.
Beijing immediately fired back. China’s foreign affairs ministry stated, “If war is what the US wants, whether it’s a tariff war or a trade war, we are ready to fight till the end.” The Chinese Ambassador in the US repeated the same statement.
These tariffs could disrupt $2.2 trillion in trade and come after Trump accused Mexico, Canada, and China of failing to stop the flow of fentanyl into the US.
China denied these claims, calling them an “excuse” to increase tariffs. The foreign ministry stated, “Intimidation does not scare us. Pressure is not the way to deal with China.”
The situation has raised concerns about economic instability. A trade war could lead to higher prices for Americans who are still recovering from past inflation.
Trump defended the move, saying, “Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades. Now it’s our turn.” He pointed out that India, South Korea, the EU, and China already impose high tariffs on American goods.
China responded through a post on X, warning, “Anyone trying to pressure China is making a mistake.” The country also rejected any responsibility for the fentanyl crisis, saying, “The US must take responsibility for its own issues.”
China has already retaliated with 10-15% tariffs on American agricultural products. It also placed 25 US firms under trade restrictions and started an anti-monopoly probe into Google.
Canada and Mexico also responded. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the tariffs “a bad idea” and imposed 25% tariffs on American goods. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum promised countermeasures, with details to come.
Meanwhile, US officials hinted at possible negotiations with Mexico and Canada to adjust the tariffs slightly. However, global markets have already dropped sharply due to fears of prolonged trade tensions.
