China’s Tolerance for Donald Trump is Waning Amid Escalating Trade War Rhetoric | Global News
The Premier of China has cautioned that “unprecedented changes are occurring worldwide” amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
Li Qiang addressed parliament, shortly after the US imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports.
In retaliation, Beijing announced tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on American food and agricultural products.
“Global economic growth is stalling; unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise… the multilateral trading system faces disruptions, and tariff barriers are continually increasing,” Premier Li emphasized.
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‘Whatever they tariff us, we will tariff them’
The Chinese Embassy in the United States has ramped up the rhetoric, stating on social media: “If the US seeks war, whether tariff, trade, or otherwise, we are prepared to fight until the end.”
This declaration, initially made by China’s foreign affairs ministry on Tuesday, being reiterated two days consecutively, carries weight.
This message signals to the US that China’s tolerance is waning, and the narrative surrounding the retaliatory tariffs is becoming increasingly severe. It has labeled the tariff conflict as “pressure,” “blackmail,” a “smear campaign,” and “shifting the blame.”
However, President Trump remains steadfast in applying tariffs against China, believing that this pressure will yield results. He holds China accountable for exporting chemical precursors that have contributed to the opioid crisis in the US.
At the same time, China is confronting significant domestic economic hurdles, with a growth target of “approximately 5%” for this year.
The government’s report emphasized the importance of stimulating consumption and domestic demand this year.
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Why are tariffs such a big deal?
In China, the challenge lies in insufficient consumer spending, as many individuals prefer to save cautiously. This is partially attributed to the frailty of the country’s social welfare system, causing people to save for potential job loss or health and elderly care expenses.
The government aims to transform domestic demand into the primary growth driver by establishing several cities as “international consumption centers” and expanding their trade-in system to motivate households to acquire new products.
Aside from shopping, thousands of delegates from various provinces attended, including notable figures like former basketball star Yao Ming and Lei Jun, co-founder of Xiaomi.
Following the session, delegates gathered in the square outside the Great Hall of the People to share their views on China’s future.
Congress delegate Liu Hui stated: “I believe tariffs will have minimal impact on China because we respond to others in kind.”
Another delegate from Shaanxi province, Song Yaping, expressed pride in China’s technological advancements, stating: “Our technology is progressing rapidly; just look at DeepSeek, and witness the speed of our AI development.”
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Despite the prevailing optimism, the trade conflict continues to escalate.
In Guangzhou’s industrial core, a glassware exporter is preparing for the ramifications of the latest tariffs imposed by Trump.
Marketing manager Anna expressed, “I believe the public will be discussing these tariffs, and obviously, 10% is a substantial amount. Some businesses may struggle to maintain profitability due to this.”
“Nevertheless, we cannot alter the situation; we must adapt and accept it.”
Yet, adapting is challenging in a rapidly transforming world.
