‘Firmly oppose bullying’: China releases white paper as trade war with US escalates

The white paper asserts that the US is violating international trade norms and weaponising tariffs “to exert maximum pressure and seek private gain.” It frames the latest duties as part of a larger attempt to dominate global trade, criticising the “America First” agenda as a “zero-sum” pursuit that threatens global stability.

“China firmly opposes these unilateral and hegemonic restrictive measures and has resolutely taken countermeasures in accordance with the basic principles of international law,” the paper states, adding that Beijing has both the “firm will and ample means” to counter any escalation.

The document also details the evolution of bilateral trade, highlighting how the volume has grown from less than $2.5 billion in 1979 to nearly $688.3 billion in 2024, with two-way investment exceeding $260 billion.

While China’s message is combative, it also leaves the door open to negotiation. The paper reiterates that Beijing is willing to communicate on “important issues in the economic and trade fields” if the US adopts a posture of “equality, respect and mutual benefit.”

The Chinese Foreign Ministry echoed the sentiment, urging the US to abandon its “arrogant and bullying behaviour” and commit to constructive dialogue.

Speaking to reporters at a regular media briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the US continued to impose tariffs on China “indiscriminately”.

“If the US really wants to solve the problem through dialogue and negotiation, it should adopt an attitude of equality, respect and mutual benefit.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday — that US is set to impose a staggering 104% tariff on all Chinese imports starting Wednesday, marking the most aggressive escalation yet in Trump’s ongoing trade offensive.

Initially, China was expected to face a 34 per cent tariff hike under Trump’s sweeping “reciprocal” tariff plan. But after Beijing refused to reverse its vow to slap 34 per cent retaliatory tariffs on US goods by Tuesday noon, Trump added another 50 per cent in penalties, bringing the total to an additional 84 per cent in duties on top of existing tariffs already in place from his first term.

Earlier Tuesday, China’s Commerce Ministry said it “firmly opposes” the additional 50% tariffs on Chinese imports, calling it “a mistake upon a mistake.” The ministry vowed to escalate its retaliation on US exports.

In February, Donald Trump slapped a 10 per cent tariff on all Chinese goods with no carve-outs, citing Beijing’s alleged role in fuelling illegal immigration and facilitating the flow of fentanyl into the United States. Last month, he doubled those rates — a move that sent shockwaves through global markets and deepened already strained US-China relations.

China, which was America’s second-largest source of imports last year, shipped $439 billion worth of goods to the US, compared to $144 billion in American exports to China. The rising tariffs now threaten to hit domestic industries hard, with businesses warning of cost surges, layoffs, and reduced competitiveness.

By the end of Trump’s first term, the average US tariff on Chinese goods stood at 19.3 per cent, according to the Peterson Institute for International Economics. The Biden administration largely maintained those tariffs — even expanding them — bringing the average to 20.8 per cent.

But come Wednesday, that number will skyrocket. Once the latest duties are fully implemented, the total average tariff rate on Chinese exports to the US is projected to surge to nearly 125 per cent — marking an unprecedented escalation in the ongoing trade war.

As tensions between the world’s two largest economies escalate, Beijing has reaffirmed its support for the global trading system under the WTO and vowed to defend its interests with “decisive action” if provoked further.