China has issued a stark warning to the US, declaring its readiness to fight “any type” of war as trade tensions between the two economic powers escalate. The warning comes in response to President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on Chinese imports, prompting swift retaliation from Beijing.
In a statement posted on X, the Chinese embassy in Washington declared the country’s firm stance. In a post on X, the Chinese Embassy wrote, “If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end”. The remarks coincided with the annual National People’s Congress in Beijing. Leaders gathered there to discuss China’s economic and strategic policies.
Trade War Intensifies
The Trump administration recently increased tariffs on all Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Beijing. In retaliation, China imposed fresh tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on US agricultural products, including chicken, wheat, corn, cotton, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. These tariffs will take effect on March 10, according to the State Council Tariff Commission.
Additionally, China has expanded its restrictions on American businesses, adding 15 companies—including drone manufacturer Skydio—to its export control list. The report says that the decision prevents Chinese firms from supplying these businesses with dual-use technology.
Fentanyl Dispute Adds to Strain
With the trade war raging on, tensions have also risen on the fentanyl crisis. The US blamed China for being the chief source of fentanyl smuggling, something that Beijing denies as a pretext for imposing tariffs. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “If the US truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and mutual benefit.”
Lin further said that China would not succumb to external pressure. “Intimidation does not scare us. Bullying does not work for us. Pressuring, coercion, or threats are not the right way of dealing with China. Anyone using maximum pressure on China is picking the wrong guy and miscalculating,” he warned. Since Trump’s return to the White House, the Trump administration has taken an aggressive stance on China and taken a direct confrontation with China.
China Boosts Military Spending
As tensions rise, China has made a 7.2% hike in its defence budget, bringing its official military expenditure to around $245 billion. The action is part of Beijing’s long-term vision of modernizing its military and strengthening its claims over territory, especially in the Asia-Pacific.
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China now commands the world’s largest navy and maintains the second-largest defence budget, behind only the US. Its military expansion includes advancements in stealth fighters, an increase in aircraft carriers from three to four, and a significant buildup of its nuclear arsenal. Increased competition in the South China Sea and tensions with Taiwan, Japan, and other surrounding nations have also contributed further to China’s defence spending.
With neither Washington nor Beijing indicating a move towards de-escalation, the trade war seems set to go on. China’s most recent threat, along with its growing military expenditure, implies that the current tensions may have repercussions going beyond trade and economics and could extend to global security and stability in the Asia-Pacific. The situation is still dynamic, with both countries holding ground in their positions.