‘Ready for any War’: China Vows to Fight US to the End Over Trump’s Tariff Hike
China issued a fiery warning to the United States on Tuesday, declaring it’s ready to “fight till the end” if the US wants a tariff war, trade war, or any conflict. The bold statement came hours after President Donald Trump slapped a 20% duty hike on Chinese goods, a move he touted during his first 2025 Congress address as a step to “make America rich again.”
Trump, speaking at Capitol Hill, vowed reciprocal tariffs on nations like China and India, claiming they charge the US “tremendously higher rates.” He pointed to India’s 100% auto tariffs as an example, promising to match such rates starting April 2. But China didn’t hold back, slamming the US for using the fentanyl crisis as a “flimsy excuse” to justify the tariffs.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson took to X, accusing the US of “pressure and blackmail.” “The US is punishing us for helping them,” the statement read, noting China’s efforts to curb fentanyl flows out of “goodwill.” Beijing insists the drug crisis is America’s problem, not theirs, and warned that tariff hikes will derail cooperation on counternarcotics.
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“Intimidation doesn’t scare us. Bullying won’t work,” China added, urging the US to negotiate as equals rather than flex muscle. “Anyone using maximum pressure on China is miscalculating.” The sharp tone signals a shift from earlier restraint, echoing posts on X where China’s Ministry hinted at readiness for all-out conflict.
The tariff clash isn’t new. Trump’s first term saw duties on $550 billion in Chinese goods, met with China’s $185 billion retaliation. This time, the 20% hike—effective Tuesday—adds to a trade war already rattling markets. The Dow dipped 1.5% Tuesday, per Reuters, as Canada and Mexico also faced 25% tariffs, sparking global reprisals.
China’s defiance could mean more countermeasures soon. Experts warn of rising US consumer prices—think pricier electronics and clothes—if tensions boil over. As Trump doubles down, Beijing’s “fight till the end” stance sets the stage for a bruising showdown.
