#USChinaTensions

The trade war between the world’s two largest economies continues to intensify, with no resolution in sight. Just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to nearly double tariffs on Chinese imports, Beijing responded with a vow to "fight to the end.

If enacted, the new tariffs could subject the majority of Chinese goods to a staggering 104% tax—signaling a significant escalation in the conflict.

High-profile products like smartphones, computers, lithium-ion batteries, toys, and video game consoles make up a large portion of China’s exports to the U.S. However, the tariffs would also affect a vast range of other goods, from screws to industrial boilers.

As a crucial deadline looms in Washington—and with Trump potentially implementing the new tariffs as early as Wednesday—the key question remains: who will blink first?

Assuming China will back down and lift tariffs unilaterally is misguided,” says Alfredo Montufar-Helu, senior advisor at The Conference Board’s China Center. “Such a move would portray China as weak and give the U.S. even greater leverage. We’ve reached a stalemate that could lead to prolonged economic friction.