In a strongly worded editorial, China’s official news agency Xinhua accused Trump of “naked extortion.”
China Promises to ‘Fight to the End’ Against Trump’s Tariff Threat, Latest News: China has hit back at U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods, declaring it will “fight to the end” if the U.S. continues to escalate the trade war.
China’s Commerce Ministry accused the U.S. of “blackmail” and called Trump’s threat of a 50% tariff—on top of the existing 34% reciprocal tariff—a “mistake on top of a mistake,” as reported by The Guardian. The ministry vowed to “resolutely take countermeasures,” warning, “China will fight to the end if the U.S. side is bent on going down the wrong path.”
Earlier, the U.S. had imposed a 34% tariff in addition to a previous 20% levy. In response, China slapped a matching 34% tariff on U.S. imports. Following this, on Monday, Trump threatened to impose an additional 50% tariff on Chinese goods if China did not remove its 34% tariff.
"If that tariff isn't removed by tomorrow at 12 o'clock, we're putting a 50% [tariff] on top of the tariffs we've already imposed. They've become a rich country because of people who were in the White House," Trump said.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump posted: “If China does not withdraw its 34% increase above their already long-term trading abuses by tomorrow, April 8th, 2025, the United States will impose additional tariffs on China of 50%, effective April 9th. Additionally, all talks with China concerning their requested meetings with us will be terminated!”
In a strongly worded editorial, China’s official news agency Xinhua accused Trump of “naked extortion.”
“Utterly absurd is the underlying logic of the United States: ‘I can hit you at my will, and you must not respond. Instead, you must surrender unconditionally’,” the editorial read. “This is not diplomacy. It is blunt coercion dressed up as policy.”
Monday’s market bloodbath triggered alarm across global stock indices and led billionaire investor Bill Ackman—a Trump supporter during the 2024 election—to visit the White House, urging a moratorium on tariff escalation.
EU and Taiwan Also Respond
Meanwhile, the European Union has announced countermeasures, proposing a 25% tariff on a range of U.S. goods including soybeans, nuts, and sausages. However, the EU reiterated its willingness to negotiate a "zero-for-zero" tariff agreement.
In a post on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said:
“Europe is ready to negotiate with the U.S. We’ve offered zero tariffs on industrial goods in exchange for the same. We’re always open to a fair deal—but we’re also prepared to respond with countermeasures and protect ourselves from any indirect impacts through trade diversion.”
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš ŠefÄoviÄ told The Guardian, “Sooner or later, we will sit at the negotiation table with the U.S. and find a mutually acceptable compromise.”
The 27-member EU, already hit by U.S. tariffs on vehicles and metals, is expected to face an additional 20% tariff on other goods starting Wednesday. Trump has also threatened tariffs on alcoholic beverages from the bloc.
Taiwan, which is facing a 32% reciprocal tariff and suffered its worst-ever market fall on Monday, has also indicated its readiness to negotiate. President Lai Ching-te proposed a zero-tariff agreement, the removal of trade barriers, and increased investment in the U.S.
Taiwan attributes its trade surplus with the U.S. to America’s soaring demand for technology, as it is a key supplier to companies like Apple and Nvidia.
