Tensions continue to rise between the United States and China as Beijing fires back at President Donald Trump’s latest comments and tariffs, calling for an end to threats and blackmail in ongoing trade war talks.
On Wednesday, China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian delivered a stern message, urging the U.S. to approach negotiations with “equality, respect, and mutual benefit” instead of pressure tactics. He emphasized that while China prefers peace, it is not afraid of a trade war.
“If the U.S. truly wants dialogue, it must halt the extreme pressure, threats, and blackmail,” Lin stated, reinforcing that “there are no winners in a tariff war.”
This comes as Trump ramps up tariffs, slapping a staggering 145% levy on various Chinese imports. These duties build on earlier ones, including a 20% penalty over alleged links to fentanyl trafficking and another 125% in response to trade practices the U.S. deems unfair.
Though some tech products like smartphones and laptops have been temporarily spared, the latest moves have left global markets uneasy. Economists warn the dispute could tip the world into recession.
Trump remains firm, stating through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “The ball is in China’s court. We don’t have to make a deal with them—they have to make a deal with us.”
Meanwhile, China’s economy showed surprising resilience, growing 5.4% in the first quarter. Experts attribute this to exporters rushing to beat the U.S. tariff deadlines. However, analysts like Heron Lim from Moody’s Analytics caution that the full impact of these tariffs will be felt in the next quarter.
Other countries are also feeling the heat. Japan’s envoy, Ryosei Akazawa, expressed hope for a “win-win” outcome in upcoming talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, while emphasizing Japan’s commitment to protecting its national interests.
In an interesting turn, Honda announced plans to shift production of its hybrid Civic from Japan to the U.S., aligning with its longstanding policy to build cars where the demand lies. South Korea, another key player in global exports, is also stepping up negotiations to delay retaliatory tariffs.
Adding to market jitters, chipmaker Nvidia revealed a projected $5.5 billion loss due to new U.S. licensing restrictions on high-end chips sold in China. Trump has even ordered a fresh probe into potential tariffs on critical minerals and rare-earth products like smartphones.
As the global economy braces for potential fallout, the world watches closely to see who will blink first in this high-stakes standoff.
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