ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

'China is not afraid': China strikes back at Trump with new tariffs as trade fight escalates

Chinese officials blasted the decision by President Trump to impose tariffs against the import of Chinese goods.

  • President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods on Thursday.
  • Chinese officials strongly condemned the move.
  • "China does not want a trade war with anyone," said the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC.
  • "But China is not afraid of and will not recoil from a trade war."

The Chinese government blasted President Donald Trump's announcement on Thursday that the US will impose new tariffs on imports from China and said they would introduce their own trade barriers in response.

Trump's tariffs, which act as a tax on imports, will apply to goods worth about $50 billion annually and hit industries from aerospace to pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the crackdown will limit certain types of Chinese investment into the US.

In response, China is reportedly set to impose new a tariffs ranging from 15% to 25% on 128 different US goods including fresh fruit, wine, modified ethanol, steel pipe, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT

According to a statement from the government, the tariffs would apply to about $3 billion of goods annually.

Additionally, the government argued that the Trump administration's use of national security as the basis for tariffs on steel and aluminum was a smokescreen and the restrictions were economic-based. Thus, under World Trade Organization rules China's retaliation is legal.

The government also criticized the use of the national security rationale and said it destabilizes international order.

"

In a statement on Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in the US also warned that the country is not afraid of a trade war.

ADVERTISEMENT

"

Trump justified the move as a response to the theft of US companies' intellectual property by the Chinese government. The report announcing the tariffs cited instances of US companies being forced to move patents to China or partner with a Chinese firm in order to do business in the country.

Trump told reporters during the announcement of the tariffs that China and other countries had taken advantage of the US for too long and the president's goal was to reduce the $375 billion trade deficit with the country.

"

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT