China Vows Retaliation as Trump Escalates Tariff Threats

China has pledged to “resolutely take countermeasures” to protect its interests following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to slap an additional 50% tariff on Chinese imports. The warning came in a statement from China’s Commerce Ministry on Tuesday, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing trade dispute between the two economic giants.

The ministry condemned the U.S. move as “completely groundless” and accused Washington of engaging in “unilateral bullying” through what it called “so-called reciprocal tariffs.” It defended China’s existing retaliatory tariffs as lawful steps to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and development, while hinting that further actions could be on the horizon.

“China’s countermeasures are entirely legitimate, aimed at protecting our rights and preserving the stability of global trade,” the statement read. “The U.S. threat to ramp up tariffs is a misstep piled on previous errors, laying bare its coercive tactics. China will not yield to such pressure. Should the U.S. persist, we will stand firm to the end.”

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The latest salvo follows Trump’s Monday announcement, where he warned of steep new tariffs if China failed to reverse its own recent 34% tariff hike by April 8, 2025. Writing on Truth Social, Trump declared, “If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose ADDITIONAL Tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th.” He also vowed to cut off all trade discussions with Beijing, raising fears of a deepening economic rift.

Trump’s threat comes on the heels of China’s promise last week to retaliate against earlier U.S. tariffs. Analysts warn that this tit-for-tat escalation could spiral into a broader trade war, threatening global financial stability as both nations dig in their heels.