Beijing has given its response, a rather ambiguous one, after US' new tariff rate figure on China, as high as 245%, emerged from a White House fact sheet on Wednesday.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, as quoted by Global Times, said they should ask the US side for the "specific tax rate figures."
Speaking at press briefing on Wednesday, the Chinese official said that China has repeatedly stated its solemn position on the tariff issue. "The tariff war was initiated by the US. China has taken necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which is completely reasonable and legal. Tariff and trade wars have no winner. China does not want to fight these wars but is not scared of them," Lin was quoted as saying by Global Times.
Also Read: China faces up to 245% tariffs on imports to the US- White House Fact sheet
He conveyed China's commitment to collaboration and the elimination of trade barriers amidst growing global uncertainties. "In a world full of uncertainties, China remains committed to joining hands, not throwing punches; removing barriers, not erecting walls; promoting connectivity, not pursuing decoupling," he said in a post on X.
"This tariff war was initiated by the U.S. side... China does not want a fight, but it is not afraid of one either," Jian had told a regular press conference.
Prior to the latest development, a 145% tariff was imposed on Chinese exports.
This escalation followed actions by US President Donald Trump, who recently enacted reciprocal tariffs on numerous countries, citing a trade deficit as the reason.
However, Trump has temporarily paused these tariffs for 90 days as discussions for new trade agreements are underway with over 75 countries, although China remains excluded from this pause due to its retaliatory stance.
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump's firm position on China, asserting that the responsibility lies with China to negotiate a deal. She said, "The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don't have to make a deal with them."
Leavitt stressed that the US is open to negotiations, but it is essential for China to engage constructively.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, as quoted by Global Times, said they should ask the US side for the "specific tax rate figures."
Speaking at press briefing on Wednesday, the Chinese official said that China has repeatedly stated its solemn position on the tariff issue. "The tariff war was initiated by the US. China has taken necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which is completely reasonable and legal. Tariff and trade wars have no winner. China does not want to fight these wars but is not scared of them," Lin was quoted as saying by Global Times.
Also Read: China faces up to 245% tariffs on imports to the US- White House Fact sheet
He conveyed China's commitment to collaboration and the elimination of trade barriers amidst growing global uncertainties. "In a world full of uncertainties, China remains committed to joining hands, not throwing punches; removing barriers, not erecting walls; promoting connectivity, not pursuing decoupling," he said in a post on X.
"This tariff war was initiated by the U.S. side... China does not want a fight, but it is not afraid of one either," Jian had told a regular press conference.
China is the world’s market and a source of opportunities for every country. pic.twitter.com/ftnhFsPRMm
— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) April 16, 2025
Prior to the latest development, a 145% tariff was imposed on Chinese exports.
This escalation followed actions by US President Donald Trump, who recently enacted reciprocal tariffs on numerous countries, citing a trade deficit as the reason.
However, Trump has temporarily paused these tariffs for 90 days as discussions for new trade agreements are underway with over 75 countries, although China remains excluded from this pause due to its retaliatory stance.
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated Trump's firm position on China, asserting that the responsibility lies with China to negotiate a deal. She said, "The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us. We don't have to make a deal with them."
Leavitt stressed that the US is open to negotiations, but it is essential for China to engage constructively.
You may also like
'Harvard a joke': Donald Trump rants against 'radical left, woke birdbrains' teaching 'hate' to students
HD Kumaraswamy slams Siddaramaiah for 'favouring' his Kuruba community
'Wicked' and 'Evil' portrayals of stepmothers in media stop single mothers dating, study finds
'I spent over £20k on cosmetic surgery but was left with 12cm hole that smelt like rotten egg'
Darts star left rivals speechless with backstage actions at Players Championship
