China has pledged to take “firm and forceful” action in response to the United States’ imposition of 104% tariffs, which came into effect this week.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian condemned the move, asserting that “the Chinese people’s legitimate right to development is inalienable,” and emphasised that China would not back down in defending its core interests.
The sweeping tariffs — dubbed “liberation day” measures by Donald Trump — have hit China hardest, following an earlier round of 10% duties introduced over the weekend.
“China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests are inviolable,” Lin said during a press briefing. “We will continue to take firm and forceful measures to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests.”
Beijing’s Ministry of Commerce also issued a statement on Wednesday via state media outlet Xinhua, declaring that China possesses the “firm will and abundant means” to confront a trade war with Washington.
“If the United States insists on further escalating economic and trade restrictions,” the statement read, “China will resolutely take countermeasures and fight to the end.”
China’s Top Leadership to Meet on Tariff Response and Economic Stimulus – Reuters
China’s top government leaders are expected to meet as early as today to discuss their response to the newly imposed U.S. tariffs, as well as strategies to boost the economy and stabilise financial markets, according to a Reuters report.
The news agency, citing two sources, said senior officials from the State Council along with representatives from various government ministries and regulatory agencies are slated to attend the high-level meeting.
One of the sources indicated that some of the proposed measures to support the world’s second-largest economy could be rolled out in the coming weeks.
China Slams Trump’s Tariffs as “Mistake on Top of a Mistake” in Strongly Worded Trade White Paper
China has sharply criticized Donald Trump’s latest tariff measures, calling them “threatening and coercive” and describing the move as a “mistake on top of a mistake.” In a white paper published on Wednesday, Beijing renewed its pledge to implement countermeasures and accused the U.S. of undermining global trade stability.
“The move will not solve the United States’ domestic economic problems,” the paper stated. “Instead, it will backfire and leave the U.S. a victim of its own misdeeds.”
The document called for mutual respect and cooperation, acknowledging that as two major economies at different stages of development, it is natural for China and the U.S. to encounter friction. “The success of both countries represents an opportunity, not a threat, to one another,” the paper noted.
Despite this diplomatic tone, the white paper contained extensive criticism of Washington’s trade and foreign policy. It accused the U.S. of leveraging trade tools to suppress China’s development, failing to honor its commitments — including under the phase one trade deal signed during Trump’s first term — and of escalating economic and political pressure on Beijing.
The report reiterated longstanding grievances, including U.S. sanctions over human rights concerns in Xinjiang and the crackdown on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. It also rejected accusations over fentanyl trafficking, claiming such concerns were being used as a pretext for launching a broader economic offensive against China.
The white paper made clear that Beijing has no intention of retreating from the escalating trade conflict. It concluded with a reference to the last known phone call between President Trump and President Xi Jinping, urging a return to cooperation:
“Trade wars produce no winners, and protectionism leads to a dead end. The economic success of both China and the U.S. presents shared opportunities rather than mutual threats. The U.S. is expected to join China in pulling in the same direction, as guided by the two leaders in their recent conversation.”
