China on Wednesday asked the United States to “stop threatening and blackmailing” the country after President Donald Trump said it was up to China to come to the negotiating table to discuss ending their trade war.
Trump has escalated tariffs on Chinese imports this year, imposing an additional 145 per cent on many goods, adding to duties from previous administrations. China responded with its tariffs of up to 125 per cent on US products.
“If the US truly wants to resolve this issue through dialogue, it should stop applying extreme pressure and engage with China based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.
“China has made its position clear: no one wins in a trade war. While we do not want conflict, we are not afraid to defend our interests,” Lin added.
Trump had imposed a 20 per cent tariff on China over their alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain, before following it up with a 125 per cent hike, citing broader unfair trade practices by China on the U.S.
However, his administration has temporarily exempted some tech items, including smartphones and laptops, from the new tariffs.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, on Tuesday said that it was up to Beijing to make the first move.
“The ball is in China’s court. They need to make a deal with us; we don’t have to make a deal with them,” Leavitt said, quoting Trump.
Despite rising tensions, China reported stronger-than-expected economic growth in Q1, with GDP expanding 5.4 per cent.
Economists attributed the success to exporters rushing shipments before tariffs hit, but they warned the second quarter could reflect harsher impacts.
“The new tariffs taking effect in April will likely disrupt Chinese exports and stall investment,” said Heron Lim of Moody’s Analytics.
On Tuesday, Trump also launched an investigation that could lead to tariffs on critical minerals, rare-earth elements, and related products, including smartphones, potentially widening the scope of the trade war even further.
China Slams Trump’s ‘Blackmail’ Tactics In Escalating Trade War is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
