China Vows Retaliation if US Imposes New Tariffs, Escalating Trade Tensions
Beijing – China warned the united States on Friday that it will take action if former President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to impose 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports should he win the November election. The announcement marks a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies and signals a potential return to the tariff wars that characterized much of Trump’s first term.
The warning comes after Trump repeatedly vowed to implement the sweeping tariffs during recent campaign rallies, claiming they are necessary to address the trade imbalance with China and bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States. This threat has prompted a swift response from Beijing, which views the proposed tariffs as a violation of World Trade Institution rules and a destabilizing force in the global economy.
This dispute unfolds against a backdrop of increasing restrictions on technology trade. China’s recent export controls on rare earth minerals – essential components in electronics, semiconductors, and automobiles – are widely seen as a response to Washington’s years-long restrictions on semiconductor exports to China. Experts believe Beijing’s measures mirror the limitations the US has placed on the export of chips and chip-making equipment, even when produced by third countries utilizing American technology.
“The United States has long overused the concept of national security and abused export controls, taking discriminatory measures against China and imposing unilateral ‘extraterritorial jurisdiction’ restrictions on a wide range of products,” a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stated. The spokesperson noted the US export control list covers more than 3,000 items, compared to just over 900 on china’s list.
In a Truth Social post, Trump characterized China’s move to restrict rare earth exports as ”extremely antagonistic” and a “moral disgrace in dealing with other nations.”
Beijing has consistently criticized Washington for attempting to control trade beyond its borders through export rules impacting third-country companies supplying China with American technology-based chips. This week’s actions signal a shift in China’s strategy, adopting similar tactics in response. the potential for escalating tariffs and export controls raises concerns about disruptions to global supply chains and a broader economic slowdown.
