China Vows to “Fight to the End” as Trump’s 104% Tariffs Spark Global Economic Showdown

Premier Li Qiang says Beijing is fully prepared to withstand US tariff shocks, labels Trump’s move economic coercion and blackmail

April 9, 2025: Beijing, China:
The simmering US-China trade standoff has exploded into full-blown economic warfare, as President Donald Trump officially hiked tariffs on all Chinese imports to a staggering 104%, prompting a sharp and defiant reaction from Beijing.

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Chinese Premier Li Qiang, during a diplomatic call with European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, said China is well-prepared to offset the economic shock triggered by Washington’s aggressive stance. He called Trump’s action a clear case of “unilateralism, protectionism, and economic coercion.”

“Protectionism leads nowhere — openness and cooperation are the right path for all,” Li asserted.

He added that China’s 2025 macroeconomic strategy had already factored in “various global uncertainties” and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustained and healthy growth, despite US pressure.

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China’s Warning: “Will Fight to the End”

Beijing reacted strongly to the 104% tariffs, describing the move as “blackmail” and warning that it would “fight to the end” to defend both its economic interests and the rules of international trade.

The latest escalation followed Trump’s ultimatum to China: roll back its 34% retaliatory tariff on US goods or face an even steeper American response. When Beijing stood firm, Trump added another 50% levy, building on earlier rounds of 10% and 10% “baseline” tariffs.

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Global Fallout Begins

The dramatic rise in tariffs has already sent shockwaves across global markets, with the US, EU, and Asian indices tumbling. Trump defended the move, claiming the US is now “taking in almost $2 billion a day” in tariff revenue.

While the White House insists the policy will revive US manufacturing, economists warn of inflation spikes and global recession risks, as prices rise and trade slows.

Allies Brace for Impact

The fallout isn’t limited to China. Several American allies are now bracing for similar treatment.

• Canada announced tariffs on US auto imports will kick in Wednesday.
• The European Union, facing a 20% US tariff, is preparing countermeasures. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Trump to reconsider, warning that the EU would retaliate if necessary.
• A leaked document suggests Europe could impose 25% duties on American goods like motorcycles and soybeans.

Despite this, Trump’s administration claims it is working on “tailored deals” with nations like Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Israel, who are offering tariff reductions to avoid further conflict.

A Defiant Trump

Still, Trump shows no signs of backing down.

“China wants to make a deal but doesn’t know how,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We are waiting for their call.”

As the standoff intensifies, the world is watching closely — with two of the largest economies locked in a zero-sum trade war, and the rest of the global economy caught in the crossfire.

Tags:

China US trade war, Trump tariffs 2025, Beijing reaction, China economy, Li Qiang, Xi Jinping, US-China tensions, global recession, international trade, Ursula Von der Leyen, EU tariffs

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