China slams Trump tariffs and calls for end to pressure tactics

Beijing calls for equal negotiations after Trump imposes new tariffs up to 245 percent on Chinese goods.

"Make America Great Again" hats bearing a made in China label are displayed for sale at a store in New York City on April 11, 2025. Photo by Angela Weiss/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Beijing responded with sharp criticism on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump escalated the ongoing trade conflict, prompting China to slam Trump tariffs and demand an end to what it described as “threats and blackmail” from Washington. The latest development deepens concerns over the long-standing trade war, with Beijing insisting that the only path forward is through equal and respectful negotiations.

In response to a statement by Trump asserting that China must return to the negotiating table, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made clear that Beijing will not engage under pressure. “If the U.S. really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit,” Lin told reporters.

This firm stance reflects growing frustration in Beijing as Trump’s administration rolls out increasingly aggressive tariffs, including levies of up to 245 percent on select Chinese imports. The Chinese government’s messaging on Wednesday emphasized that the burden of restarting talks now lies squarely with Washington.

Tariff escalation reaches historic highs

The trade war between the world’s two largest economies has reached new intensity in recent weeks. Trump’s administration has targeted a broad swath of Chinese goods with steep tariffs, arguing that China must address unfair trade practices and its alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain.

The White House confirmed that certain Chinese products now face cumulative tariffs of up to 245 percent, a combination of legacy duties and newly imposed levies. “The United States has instrumentalized and weaponized tariffs to a completely irrational level,” China’s commerce ministry said in a statement, calling the tactic “utterly meaningless.”

Beijing’s own countermeasures now include tariffs of up to 125 percent on U.S. exports, as both sides dig in amid global calls for de-escalation. However, despite the tit-for-tat measures, Chinese officials have repeatedly insisted that they seek dialogue, not confrontation.

“China does not want to fight, but it is not afraid to fight,” Lin Jian said, underscoring the government’s desire to avoid a prolonged dispute while maintaining national dignity.

Trump: ‘The ball is in China’s court’

Despite the mounting economic consequences, Trump maintains that China must make the first move. In a written statement read by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president said, “The ball is in China’s court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don’t have to make a deal with them.”

His administration has framed the dispute as a necessary course correction after decades of what it considers imbalanced trade. Earlier this year, Trump reinstated and expanded tariffs previously eased by past administrations. Among these was a 20 percent tariff related to China’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking, followed by additional duties over broader trade practices.

Yet, even as Trump pursues aggressive economic measures, he has left room for limited exemptions. Some high-tech goods, including smartphones and laptops, have been temporarily spared from the harshest tariffs. Still, companies operating within these sectors remain wary of further disruption.

Chinese economy shows resilience, for now

Despite the rising tensions, China reported stronger-than-expected economic growth in the first quarter of the year, expanding by 5.4 percent. Analysts attribute this in part to exporters rushing to ship products ahead of anticipated tariff hikes.

However, the sustainability of this growth is in question. “The escalation happening in April is going to be felt in the second-quarter figures,” said Heron Lim of Moody’s Analytics. “The tariffs will send stateside firms looking to other suppliers, impeding Chinese exports and slamming the brakes on investment.”

Beijing remains focused on maintaining stability, but the long-term impact of an entrenched trade war is likely to challenge Chinese manufacturers and exporters in the months ahead.

Regional reactions reflect growing unease

The Trump administration’s trade policy has also alarmed key U.S. allies and trading partners. In Tokyo, Japan’s special envoy Ryosei Akazawa expressed hope for a “win-win” outcome ahead of talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “We will protect our national interest,” Akazawa told local media.

Meanwhile, South Korea, a major supplier of semiconductors and cars, has dispatched Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok to Washington for discussions. Choi emphasized the urgency of delaying reciprocal tariffs and minimizing uncertainty for Korean firms, many of which have deep ties to both the U.S. and Chinese markets.

“We need to buy time through negotiations,” he said, “to ensure Korean companies aren’t caught in the middle of this trade war.”

Corporate responses to U.S. trade policy

Multinational companies are already adapting to the shifting landscape. On Wednesday, Japanese automaker Honda announced plans to move production of its hybrid Civic model from Japan to the United States. Although the volume of production is modest, the decision reflects broader strategic adjustments as companies seek to avoid the sting of tariffs.

A Honda spokesman said the move is part of a long-standing company policy to “produce cars where the demand is,” suggesting that the current climate has only accelerated decisions already under consideration.

Tech firms are also on alert. After the U.S. introduced new licensing rules for advanced chips sold to China, graphics chipmaker Nvidia warned it could lose up to $5.5 billion in revenue. The semiconductor industry, already facing headwinds from global supply chain disruptions, now must navigate an increasingly fragmented regulatory landscape.

More tariffs ahead?

While current tariffs already reach as high as 245 percent on some Chinese products, the White House appears prepared to escalate further. Trump ordered a new investigation this week into critical minerals, rare-earth elements, and related technologies. The outcome could include additional tariffs on smartphones, electric vehicle components, and other high-tech products.

Although such moves are framed as efforts to protect national security and reduce dependency on foreign sources, critics warn they risk inflaming tensions further and hurting U.S. consumers.

With the global economy already on edge, economists warn that the prolonged dispute between the U.S. and China could trigger a slowdown affecting markets worldwide.

Path to resolution remains uncertain

Despite the sharp rhetoric, both Washington and Beijing have signaled that they remain open to talks. But the conditions for a meaningful breakthrough appear elusive. China’s call for equal treatment and mutual respect clashes with Trump’s assertion that the U.S. holds the upper hand.

As China slams Trump tariffs and demands an end to high-pressure tactics, the question remains whether either side will blink—or whether the global economy will bear the brunt of a standoff with no clear resolution.

The next round of talks has yet to be scheduled, but with economic indicators flashing warning signs and industries scrambling to adapt, time may be running out for a negotiated solution.