China Takes Tougher Stance Against Trump, Warns It’s Ready for Trade War

• China imposes new tariffs in response.
• Beijing increases military spending.
• Trump escalates the trade war.

China has forcefully responded to the new tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, countering on multiple fronts.

Washington announced this week that it would double tariffs to 20% on Chinese goods, prompting an immediate reaction from Beijing.

In retaliation, China imposed 10% and 15% tariffs on key U.S. agricultural imports.

Additionally, China placed U.S. defense and security-related companies on its export control list.

China Increases Tariffs and Expands Trade Restrictions

Beijing also expanded its list of unreliable entities and reinforced 15% tariffs on U.S. coal and natural gas.

China imposed a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, large-engine vehicles, and pickup trucks.

It also tightened restrictions on key mineral exports and launched an investigation against Google.

China rejects Trump’s justifications for the trade war, arguing that the conflict is driven by broader geopolitical interests.

Trump claims his measures are in response to China’s alleged failure to control fentanyl trafficking, but Beijing has dismissed this as a «false excuse.»

«It distorts reality,» Chinese government sources stated.

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Trump argues that 90% of opioid-related deaths in the U.S. are linked to fentanyl smuggled through Mexico and Canada, with its chemical precursors originating from China.

In response, Beijing released a white paper, claiming that China has successfully cracked down on fentanyl smuggling, production, and trafficking with «notable results.»

«Our cooperation with the U.S. has been extensive,» the Chinese government asserted.

From China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the message was clear: «If the U.S. wants war—be it trade-related or otherwise—we are ready to fight to the end.»

«No war should be fought, nor can it be won,» Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated, accusing Washington of deliberately provoking ideological confrontation.

Lin urged the U.S. to stop imposing its hegemonic policies and abandon its outdated Cold War mentality.

He also demanded that «strategic competition» not be used as an excuse to contain China’s rise.

In a direct challenge to Washington, China increased its defense budget by 7.2% for the third consecutive year.

Beijing ignored a U.S. proposal to cut major world powers’ military budgets by half.

The message is clear: China will not back down to Trump’s pressure.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang acknowledged that Trump’s return would bring a greater impact on trade and technology.

However, Finance Minister Lan Foan assured that China has «ample tools» to counter any economic uncertainty.

«The more they try to suppress and block us, the faster we will advance in our own innovation,» declared Zheng Shanjie, head of China’s top economic planning body.

China’s industrial growth supports this claim.

«The added value of China’s high-tech manufacturing grew by 8.9%,» Zheng noted.

Additionally, China’s new energy vehicle production surpassed 13 million units, accounting for «more than 60% of global production.»

The semiconductor industry is also expanding rapidly, as China continues to make strides in artificial intelligence, aerospace, and biomedicine.

Commerce Minister Wang Wentao acknowledged the «serious challenges» posed by global protectionism, but warned: «Coercion and threats will not work on China.»

The ongoing trade war is expected to be a major topic when China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, addresses international affairs at the National People’s Congress.

As tensions between the two superpowers continue to escalate, China makes it clear that it will not yield to Trump’s demands.

SOURCE: EFE

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