Tensions between the U.S. and China have escalated once again. After the shocking announcement of a 245% tariff on Chinese goods by the United States, Beijing has accused President Donald Trump of blackmail and coercion. According to China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. is playing hardball and pushing China into a corner.
š¬ "The U.S. should stop with its 'maximum pressure' tactics and truly pursue dialogue instead of issuing threats and manipulation," stated Chinese spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference.
Meanwhile, Trump insists that āthe ball is in Chinaās courtā and that the United States has no reason to back down. Heās demanding that Beijing make the first moveāotherwise, no deal will happen.
ā 245% Tariff: A Historic High
According to the White House, the new tariff is a response to China's previous retaliatory measures. This step marks the biggest escalation yet in the ongoing trade war between the worldās two largest economies.
But China is responding with a calmāand firmāstance. It has begun limiting exports of critical materials essential to defense and aerospace industries and is preparing countermeasures of its own. "There are no winners in a trade war, but China is not afraid of one," Lin said.
š Chinaās Economy Grows Despite Tariffs
Despite the fierce trade battle, China's economy is performing better than expected. In Q1, GDP rose by 5.4%, industrial output by 6.5%, and retail sales by 4.6%. While global supply chains feel the pressure, Beijing continues on a steady course.
Trump, however, is boasting about the impact of tariffs at home. On Truth Social, he wrote:
āThe U.S. is collecting RECORD TARIFFS. Prices are dropping, including gas, food, and nearly everything else. Inflation is falling. Promises made, promises kept!ā
But critics argueāat what cost? The open trade war has fueled rising tensions in Asia, strained relations with allies, and brought uncertainty to global markets.
