China has said it is prepared to “fight to the end” in the ongoing trade war with the US, reaffirming Beijing’s uncompromising stance toward tariff threats from Washington.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to place additional 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports starting November 1, in response to Beijing’s imposition of export controls on rare earth minerals used in the weapons industry. The US president also signaled tighter export controls on critical software used in defense and high-tech industries.
Chinese exports to the US currently face tariffs of 30% under a 90-day trade truce that ends in November, while Beijing imposes a 10% duty on American goods.
Speaking on Monday, a spokesperson for the Chinese Commerce Ministry said: “On the issue of tariffs and the trade war, China’s position has always been consistent. If they want to fight, we’ll fight to the end; if they want to talk, the door is open.”
Trump’s threat of extra tariffs was voiced shortly after Beijing introduced export restrictions on rare earth elements and magnets, which are crucial in military production.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce defended the move, calling it a “legitimate measure to improve the national export control system” that is aimed at “safeguarding national and international security.” The ministry had previously criticized US tariffs as a clear example of “double standards.”
The latest escalation comes ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea, which kicks off on October 31. While issuing his tariff threat last week, Trump suggested that the meeting may not take place.
However, on Sunday, the US president struck a more conciliatory tone, saying “it will all be fine,” stressing that Washington “wants to help China, not hurt it.” The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, reported that Trump has discussed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other officials how to signal a willingness to reduce trade tensions with Beijing.
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