China Responds to Trump's Escalated Tariffs with Strong Warning: "Threats and Blackmail Are Not the Right Approach"

China has strongly condemned US President Donald Trump's decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%, warning that “threats and blackmail” will not work. This escalation in the trade war highlights increasing tensions and potential global economic fallout.

As the ongoing trade war between the United States and China intensifies, China has issued a stern warning to the US over President Donald Trump's decision to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to 125%. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has stated that “pressure, threats, and blackmail” are not the right methods to engage with the country. This response came after Trump’s announcement on April 9, 2025, of an escalation in tariffs following China’s imposition of an 84% tariff on American imports.

Trump's move to escalate tariffs on China has drawn sharp reactions from Beijing, which emphasized that the US tariffs would harm the global economy and undermine the multilateral trade system. Chinese spokesperson He Yongqian confirmed that while China remains open to dialogue, it will not back down in the face of what it views as unreasonable pressure. "If the US insists on its own way, we will follow through to the end," he warned.

This move by Trump follows a series of tit-for-tat tariff hikes between the two countries, with the US increasing its tariff rates on Chinese imports after China imposed retaliatory tariffs on American goods. Trump's latest tariff raise was seen as part of his broader strategy to apply pressure on China, accusing them of unfair trade practices. However, China’s response underscores its position that such tactics will not resolve the dispute and could escalate tensions further.

As both nations brace for potential economic consequences, including rising consumer prices and market instability, global markets have responded with volatility. Countries like Japan and the UK have expressed concern, with the UK urging for calm negotiations to avoid further damage to the world economy.