A new chapter in U.S.-China economic tensions has unfolded after U.S. President Donald Trump, via a post on Truth Social, threatened to slap a 50% tariff on Chinese imports unless Beijing withdraws its 34% counter-tariff on American goods by April 8. The Chinese government swiftly rejected the ultimatum, labeling the move coercive and vowing to defend national interests.
At a regular press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated unequivocally that China would not accept economic intimidation. “We will not let anyone take away the Chinese people’s legitimate right to development,” Lin asserted, adding that China would take “resolute and strong measures” if the U.S. persists.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce mirrored this stance, warning of “countermeasures” should the tariff threats turn into policy. In a statement posted on its website, the ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting China’s economic sovereignty.
Six retaliatory options on Beijing’s table
While official countermeasures remain unspecified, sources cited by the self-media outlet Niutanqin suggested six potential actions. These include:
- Tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods like soybeans and sorghum
- A ban on U.S. poultry imports
- Suspension of cooperation on fentanyl-related issues
- Restrictions on U.S. service exports
- Limits on Hollywood films entering China
- Scrutiny of U.S. companies’ intellectual property rights
Though the Foreign Ministry declined to verify online speculation, Lin reaffirmed China’s intent to defend its legal rights, should tariff threats materialize.
Trump’s tariffs reach beyond Beijing
The tariff threats are not exclusive to China. Trump also took aim at the EU, Canada, and Japan. Accusing the EU of unfair trade practices, he insisted they would soon be “buying energy from us” or face consequences amounting to $350 billion in retaliatory measures. On Japan, he claimed an imbalance in automobile trade, saying, “They don’t take our cars, but we take millions of theirs.”
The European Commission, in response to Trump’s earlier steel and aluminum tariffs, is preparing to impose its own 25% tariffs on U.S. goods starting May 16, with additional measures scheduled for December 1.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Commerce is preparing to raise duties on Canadian lumber from 14.4% to 34.45%, deepening North America’s internal economic friction.
Expert views: Economic coercion and rising inflation
Commenting on the escalating tariff threats, He Weiwen of the Center for China and Globalization described the U.S. strategy as “economic coercion and blackmail,” claiming it reflects Washington’s hegemonic mindset. He stressed that unilateral actions violate WTO rules and harm global multilateralism.
Yu Miaojie, President of Liaoning University, warned that while global trade may slow in the short term, China’s diversified exports and open-market strategy limit the long-term impact. He highlighted potential blowback on the U.S., predicting higher consumer prices and added inflationary pressures.
That concern was echoed by BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, who suggested that the U.S. stock market could drop another 20% if investors see the tariffs as confirmation of an economic contraction. “Most CEOs I talk to would say we are probably in a recession right now,” Fink said at the Economic Club of New York.
Domestic backlash: Legal pushback and business dissent
The Trump administration is also facing resistance at home. According to Fortune, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is considering legal action to block the tariffs, arguing the president’s emergency powers were unlawfully invoked. A similar suit was filed last week by the New Civil Liberties Alliance on behalf of a small business importer.
Ken Langone, co-founder of Home Depot, publicly criticized the tariff escalation as “too aggressive, too soon,” blaming poor advice to the president. Industry leaders, including many represented by the U.S. Chamber, fear the move could squeeze margins and trigger job losses.
China reassures U.S. firms amid storm
In a parallel move to stabilize investor confidence, China’s Ministry of Commerce held a roundtable with U.S.-funded companies. Vice Minister Ling Ji reassured participants of China’s continued commitment to reform and openness. Emphasizing multilateralism as a “necessary response” to trade tensions, Ling said China’s market will remain open and evolving.
Chen Fengying, of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, urged global economies to respond to U.S. tariffs through collective action. “Faced with the U.S.’ bullying practices, all other economies will have to figure out how to overcome challenges,” she said.