China has reacted sharply to President Donald Trump's announcement of new tariffs, warning that Beijing is prepared for a trade war or any other conflict. Trump's decision to raise tariffs by 25% on imports from Mexico, Canada and China has sparked new tensions between the two economic superpowers.
In an official statement, China's Foreign Ministry said: "If the US chooses confrontation, whether in trade or other areas, we will not back down." The Chinese ambassador to Washington also reiterated Beijing's strong stance, accusing the Trump administration of using pressure and threats as a negotiating strategy.
China called the fentanyl issue a "weak pretext" for raising tariffs and stressed that it has cooperated with the US to combat trafficking in illegal substances, although these efforts have often been overshadowed.
Meanwhile, economists warn that the escalation of the conflict could negatively impact the global economy, raising costs for consumers and slowing economic growth, especially at a time when inflation remains a major concern for American households.
