Trump Imposes 245% Tariff on China in Retaliation to 125% Chinese Duty; China Says “We’re Not Afraid of a Trade War”
The trade war between the United States and China has intensified significantly. In a sharp move, the U.S. has imposed an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods, bringing the total tariff rate to 245%. This is in response to China’s earlier decision on April 11 to levy a 125% tariff on American products. While China had previously announced that it would not respond to further U.S. tariff hikes, Trump’s latest move prompted a strong reaction.
China Responds: “We’re Not Afraid of a Trade War”
Following the announcement of new U.S. tariffs, China reaffirmed its stance, saying it is not afraid of a trade war with the United States. China reiterated that dialogue should be the way forward. Former President Donald Trump, however, had earlier insisted that it is China that needs to come to the negotiation table.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that if the U.S. genuinely seeks a resolution through discussion, it must stop unnecessary pressure, threats, and blackmail. He emphasized that talks should be based on mutual respect, equality, and shared benefit.
China Halts Aircraft Orders from Boeing
Reports emerged recently that China has instructed its airlines to stop taking deliveries of new planes from American manufacturer Boeing. According to Bloomberg, Beijing has also ordered a halt on the purchase of parts and devices made in the U.S.
This move comes in response to the 145% tariff imposed by the U.S. Boeing is a major American aerospace company that manufactures airplanes, satellites, telecommunications equipment, and missiles. It was founded on July 15, 1916, by William Boeing and is one of the largest exporters in the U.S.
Many global airlines use Boeing aircraft. It is also the world’s third-largest defense contractor.
China Restricts Export of Rare Metals Critical for Global Industries
In a significant escalation, China has also restricted the export of seven rare and valuable metals. These materials are essential for assembling cars, drones, robots, and missiles. Shipments of magnets—critical components—have been halted at Chinese ports.
These resources are crucial for the global automobile, semiconductor, aerospace, and weapons manufacturing industries. Their scarcity is expected to drive up costs globally.
On April 4, China announced export restrictions on these seven key metals. According to the order, these metals and the specialized magnets made from them can now only be exported with special permits.
China: “U.S. Tariffs Violate International Trade Rules”
On April 11, China declared that the abnormal tariffs imposed by the U.S. seriously violate international trade regulations. It criticized the U.S. approach as unilateral pressure and intimidation.
China warned that further tariff increases by the U.S. would be meaningless and could backfire, making the U.S. a subject of ridicule in the history of global economics.
Xi Jinping: “China Fears No One”
Amid rising tensions, Chinese President Xi Jinping made his first public statement on the matter. He said that China fears no one and attributed the country’s development over the past 70 years to hard work and self-reliance.
He stated, “China has never depended on the charity of others. We have never feared coercion. No matter how much the world changes, China will never flinch.”
President Xi also emphasized that there are no winners in a trade war. “Going against the world means going against yourself,” he said during a meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who recently visited China.
Sánchez is the first European leader to visit China since Trump’s latest tariff announcement. He has visited China three times in the past two years and criticized Trump’s tariff policy, stating on April 8 that it will force Europe to seek new markets and re-evaluate its relations with China.
