China and the US seem to be butting heads over the new tariffs
Donald Trump’s announcement on tariffs has certainly shaken up the international economic landscape and China has hit back against the move.
Last week, President Donald Trump made waves by imposing tariffs on several nations, with China being one of the primary targets. Despite facing strong opposition from both allies and trade partners, Trump forged ahead with his bold economic plan, dubbing it “Liberation Day.” In a speech from the White House Rose Garden on April 2, 2025, Trump confidently proclaimed, “This is Liberation Day. We’ve waited for this moment for a long time. April 2, 2025, will go down in history as the day American industry was reborn, the day we reclaimed America’s destiny, and the day we began to ‘Make America Wealthy Again.’ For far too long, our country has been looted, pillaged, and exploited by nations near and far—friends and foes alike.”
China, however, has a very different perspective on the matter.
As part of his “Liberation Day” plan, President Trump slapped an additional 34 percent tariff on Chinese goods, adding to the two previous rounds of 10 percent tariffs imposed in February and March.
China has strongly condemned the latest move, with foreign affairs spokesman Lin Jian delivering a sharp rebuke. Speaking to reporters, Lin blasted the U.S., stating, “Prioritizing the US over international rules is a clear example of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.”
Lin went on to highlight the broader consequences of the tariffs, warning the U.S. of the repercussions. “Pressure and threats will not work with China. We will firmly protect our legitimate rights and interests,” he asserted. He also pointed out the damaging effects on global supply chains and the potential to hinder the world’s economic recovery.
In retaliation, China has suspended imports of sorghum, poultry, and bonemeal from certain American companies, signaling that the trade war is far from over.
In retaliation, starting April 10, China will impose its own 34 percent tariff on U.S. goods. A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce also confirmed that the nation is taking legal action against the U.S. by filing a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The lawsuit argues that Trump’s new tariffs “seriously violate WTO rules,” accusing the U.S. of damaging the legitimate rights and interests of WTO members and undermining the multilateral trading system. The spokesperson stated, “This is a typical act of unilateral bullying that jeopardizes the stability of the global economic and trade order. China firmly opposes this.”
The escalating trade dispute between the two economic giants is threatening the delicate balance of international trade.
