Tensions rise as the US imposes fresh tariffs on China, prompting stern warnings and retaliatory moves amid escalating trade conflict (Photo: Pinterest)
Donald Trump's announcement of an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports along with stricter restrictions on US exports for critical software, a senior Chinese official issued stern warnings from India, Beijing will retaliate unless Washington reconsiders, it urged the US to correct its mistakes or risk further conflict.
Last week, Trump announced if China did not amend its policies, the US would impose new tariffs, doubling the existing ones, starting November 1. This was the announcement after earlier levying tariffs of 155% on Chinese goods. The tariffs adopt a secondary tariff approach to those countries indirectly acting to support the Russian economy through energy trade indicating a hardening stance toward China and its allies.
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Xu Wei, the Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, alluded to the rising tariff dispute in a recent event where he reaffirmed, China welcomes no conflict, but should there be provocations, China will retaliate strongly.
"We are prepared to fight, but we keep the door open for cooperation," Xu said; cooperation is mutually beneficial and he urged the US to settle the issue of tension amicably. "Should they decide that is not the way they want to proceed then we will have no other choice but to defend our rights," he warned.
Xu then drew attention toward the relevance of bilateral Sino-Indian ties in light of India's own trade tussles with the US, where the latter has imposed tariffs on Indian goods for alleged oil purchases from Russia of up to 50%. Against the backdrop of global trade troubles, trade between India and China remains remarkably strong with 2025 bilateral trade flowing beyond the $115 billion mark within just the first nine months. Xu initiated a call for both to stand together to weather economic pressures, preferring cooperation to confrontation.
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In a positive development, Xu announced the recommencement of direct flights between India and China from October 26, aimed at enhancing people-to-people connections. In addition, he stated that, this year, Chinese diplomatic missions in India have issued more than 280,000 visas to Indian citizens with the expectation that the number will soon exceed 300,000. This underlines appeal from China toward enhancing economic and cultural ties, not with standing prevailing geopolitical tensions.
In retaliation for the first time since 2018, China curtailed imports of American soybeans in September, channeling purchases toward South American suppliers. The measure threatens great loss to American farmers while putting China at the risk of supply shortages before the next harvest in Brazil. In those rare earths, critical for technology manufacturing, export controls slapped by China were criticized by Trump as he further questioned the intent for the upcoming summit with President Xi Jinping, reflecting sightings of further widening cracks.
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Disclaimer: This article provides information on ongoing trade disputes and is not financial advice. Developments may change as negotiations progress.
