Brussels, 9 April 2025
In a swift and forceful rebuttal to Washington’s steep new tariffs, Beijing is raising duties on U.S. goods to 84% and unveiling a combative policy paper. China’s message: it will not yield to “maximum pressure,” even as it urges dialogue to avert a protracted trade war.
China’s official response came less than a day after a U.S. executive order on April 8 dramatically hiked tariffs on Chinese imports. By April 9, Beijing had publicly condemned the U.S. move as economic “bullying” and rolled out sweeping countermeasures. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected Washington’s pressure tactics and vowed China would defend its interests at all costs. At the same time, Chinese authorities announced heavy retaliatory tariffs and released a detailed white paper outlining Beijing’s stance, signaling the high stakes as the world’s two largest economies harden their trade confrontation.
Rejecting “Maximum Pressure” – Beijing’s resilient stance
At a daily press briefing on April 9, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian blasted the U.S. tariff escalation as an attempt at “maximum pressure” that China “will never accept”. He asserted that the Chinese people’s right to development and the nation’s core interests are inviolable, and warned that China will take all necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty. “If the United States is bent on waging a tariff war or trade war, China is ready to fight till the end,” Lin declared, underscoring Beijing’s resolve. Yet, he also noted that if Washington truly seeks a resolution, it must approach talks with equality and respect, not coercion – a dual message of firmness and a conditional openness to negotiations.
Tit-for-tat tariffs raised to 84%
In tandem with the fiery rhetoric, China’s Customs Tariff Commission announced it will raise tariffs on virtually all U.S. imports to 84%, effective April 10. This move directly responds to Washington’s own tariff hike (to a similar 84% level on Chinese goods) and represents a significant escalation in the trade dispute. The Commission’s statement lambasted the U.S. action as “unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying” that flouts international trade rules and threatens the stability of the global economic order. Beijing characterized the U.S. tariff surge as a step “down the wrong path” that infringes on China’s legitimate rights and interests.
Chinese officials urged Washington to “immediately correct its wrongdoings” by removing the punitive duties and to resolve the dispute through equal-footed dialogue based on mutual respect. The steep 84% counter-tariff, coupled with this pointed language, makes clear that China is matching pressure with pressure – while pointedly inviting the U.S. back to the negotiating table on more balanced terms.
Chinese Government white paper lays out China’s position and historical context
Alongside these moves, Beijing released a comprehensive white paper titled “China’s Position on Some Issues Concerning China-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations,” which offers a broader policy perspective. Issued by the State Council Information Office, the document aims to “clarify the facts” of the trade relationship and articulate China’s views. It places the current clash in historical context, noting that since 2018 the United States has imposed tariffs on over $500 billion worth of Chinese exports and pursued an array of restrictive measures to contain and suppress China’s development. The paper pointedly critiques these U.S. actions – including the latest tariff barrage (even those justified by unrelated issues like fentanyl) – as evidence of Washington’s isolationist and coercive approach, which runs counter to market principles and multilateral trading norms. By documenting decades of bilateral trade growth and cooperation, Beijing underscores that the two economies have deeply intertwined interests, making the case that the U.S. “zero-sum” tariff strategy is misguided and self-defeating.
Call for dialogue, emphasis on mutual benefit – but no concessions
Despite its stern tone, the white paper repeatedly emphasizes the importance of dialogue and the mutually beneficial nature of U.S.-China trade. It notes that differences are natural given the countries’ distinct development stages, and urges respect for each other’s core interests as a basis for resolving disputes. Chinese officials stress that Beijing has “remained committed to resolving disputes through dialogue and consultation,” even while taking forceful countermeasures to defend its interests. The overarching narrative is that China still seeks a negotiated solution – but only one founded on equality and reciprocity, not under the shadow of intimidation. In public remarks, officials reiterated that there are “no winners in a trade war” and that China does not want one, but it “will by no means sit by” if its people’s rights are harmed by U.S. actions. This dual message – a willingness to talk coupled with an unwavering readiness to retaliate – encapsulates China’s framing of the issue.
Defending interests while urging cooperation
Taken together, China’s official response paints a picture of a nation standing its ground while attempting to shape the narrative of the conflict. Beijing has framed the U.S. tariff offensive as a reckless provocation that endangers global supply chains and growth, to which it had no choice but to respond in kind. At the same time, Chinese leaders are keen to convey that their endgame is not endless escalation: through phrases like “equality, respect and mutual benefit,” they are effectively calling for the U.S. to return to the negotiating table on less punitive terms. The policy brief and statements highlight China’s preference for a “win-win” outcome and steady relations, so long as these are achieved without sacrificing national dignity or development rights. In this high-stakes moment, China’s message to domestic and international audiences is clear – it will fight till the end to defend its economic sovereignty, but the door remains open for a respectful dialogue to de-escalate the trade war.
Read the White Paper
Source – Insight EU / ChatGPT Deep Research / Xinhua