China Issues Strong Warning to US: Countermeasures on the Table if Trump Doesn’t Reconsider 100% Tariff Threat

Beijing is ready to respond if President Trump goes ahead with his threat of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports. This warning comes after China imposed export limits on rare earth minerals, raising trade tensions between the two nations. Both sides had been making progress in negotiations, but these new moves jeopardize that.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce expressed concerns, stating that high tariffs are not an effective way to negotiate. The spokesperson insisted that while China doesn’t seek a trade war, it won’t back down if pressured. The escalating risks have affected stock markets and raised fears of a renewed tariff standoff, reminiscent of earlier trade conflicts when tariffs hit highs of 145% on Chinese imports and 120% on American ones.

Recent data reflects this turmoil: according to a survey by the Pew Research Center, about 70% of Americans believe that trade tensions have hurt the economy. This sentiment shows the anxiety around how these policies can impact everyday life and businesses.

Leaders Trump and Xi Jinping were slated to meet in South Korea shortly, but Trump’s concerns about rare earth minerals have thrown that into doubt. On the other hand, Beijing urges the U.S. to adjust its approach to preserve the positive steps taken in negotiations.

China now considers its recent export rules on rare earths a legitimate retaliation against U.S. policies. These new regulations are extensive, targeting not just minerals but also production technologies and overseas uses in sectors like military and semiconductors. The global tech industry, which is dependent on these materials for everything from electronics to vehicles, might face significant disruptions.

Trump labeled China’s actions as “extremely hostile” on social media, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. However, experts note that China’s restrictions resemble U.S. measures imposed on semiconductor exports to China over the years. This back-and-forth reveals a troubling pattern of mutual aggression in trade policies.

The Chinese government criticized the U.S. for double standards, highlighting that the U.S. has a much longer export control list than China does. This expansion reflects the tension embedded in international trade and national security concerns.

Historically, the trade relationship between the U.S. and China has been fraught with challenges. Decades ago, trade was primarily seen as a path to cooperation. Now, it feels more like a battleground where both countries are trying to outmaneuver each other with restrictions.

As this situation develops, expert opinions vary. Some believe a trade war could be inevitable if both sides don’t find a way to de-escalate. Others remain hopeful that economic interdependence could still temper the worst outcomes.

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