In a pointed response to the tariffs instituted by US President Donald Trump, the Chinese embassy in the United States declared that China is prepared to "fight till the end" in any conflict the US may pursue. An official post on the embassy's social media account stated, "Should the US desire war—be it a tariff conflict, a trade dispute, or any other kind of confrontation, we stand ready to fight resolutely." This reaction followed Trump's incendiary remarks delivered during a joint congressional session, where he asserted that many countries have imposed tariffs on the United States for an extended period. He noted, "Now it’s our time to reciprocate against those nations. The European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada, have you heard of them? Numerous other countries impose tariffs on us that are significantly higher than those we apply to them, which is incredibly unjust. For instance, India levies auto tariffs exceeding 100%, while the average tariff on American products by China is double what we charge in return. South Korea's average tariff is four times greater," he explained.
If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end. https://t.co/crPhO02fFE
— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) March 5, 2025
"This occurs from both friends and adversaries. This framework is inherently inequitable towards the United States and always has been... That’s the principle of reciprocity. Whatever rate they impose on us, we will reciprocate," he added. Trump has raised the previously established 10 percent tariffs on Chinese goods to 20 percent. In response, China has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization, stating, "The unilateral tax measures of the United States severely breach WTO regulations and undermine the foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and the US," according to a statement from China's commerce ministry. While implementing these tariffs, Trump also accused China of insufficient action to curb the trafficking of fentanyl and other potent opioids into the US.
If the U.S. truly wants to solve the #fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China by treating each other as equals.
— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) March 5, 2025
If war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end. https://t.co/crPhO02fFE
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has challenged this assertion. "The fentanyl issue is merely a pretext for the US to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. The responsibility for the fentanyl crisis in the United States lies solely with the US itself. In a show of goodwill towards the American public, we have taken significant measures to support the US in tackling this problem. Rather than acknowledging our contributions, the US has chosen to malign us and shift the blame onto China, using tariff increases as a means of pressure and coercion," they stated.
"They have been penalizing us for extending help. This approach will not resolve the challenges faced by the US and will sabotage our dialogue and collaboration on counternarcotics. Intimidation does not deter us. Bullying tactics are ineffective against us. Using pressure, coercion, or threats is not the appropriate method to engage with China. Anyone employing maximum pressure on China is misjudging the situation and making a significant error. If the US genuinely wishes to address the fentanyl problem, engaging with China as equals and consulting with us is the proper course of action," the statement concluded.
