The Chinese government has issued a blistering response to former US President Donald Trump's pledge to impose tariffs of 60% or more on Chinese goods if re-elected, setting the stage for a potentially devastating new chapter in the Sino-American trade war.
In a strongly-worded statement released through its Ministry of Finance, Beijing condemned the proposal as "blatant economic coercion" that violates fundamental World Trade Organization (WTO) principles. Officials warned that such measures would "severely disrupt global supply chains" and inflict damage on the US economy itself.
A Promise of Retaliation
The Ministry made clear that China would not sit idly by. The statement promised that Beijing would "resolutely take all necessary measures to firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests" should the tariffs be implemented. This language strongly suggests a prepared package of retaliatory tariffs targeting key American exports and industries, potentially mirroring the tit-for-tat conflict that characterised the previous Trump administration.
Echoes of a Previous Trade War
Financial markets reacted nervously to the escalating rhetoric, recalling the significant economic turbulence caused by the initial US-China trade war that began in 2018. Analysts fear that a second round, featuring even higher tariffs, could trigger widespread inflation, hamper global growth, and create new inflationary pressures for consumers in both nations.
The warning from Beijing underscores the high-stakes economic tensions that are likely to define the upcoming US presidential election, positioning trade policy with China as a central battleground issue.
