China has responded firmly to the US’s use of tariffs, stating, “We will not back down” as tensions escalate between the two nations. The US had imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, citing the fentanyl issue, which China views as unjustified and damaging to both countries. China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, emphasized the need for equality and mutual respect in addressing the issue, urging the US to engage in consultations rather than resorting to threats and blackmail.

Tensions between the United States and China have escalated yet again, as Beijing pushed back against what it describes as Washington’s “maximum pressure” tactics and weaponization of tariffs. On Thursday, China made it clear that it would not yield to the latest U.S. trade measures, setting the stage for a prolonged trade standoff.

In a sharp response to President Donald Trump’s recent move to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to a staggering 125%, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian denounced the decision as both “selfish” and destructive to global trade. Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Lin asserted that China would not be intimidated and promised a firm, sustained response: “Beijing’s actions will continue until the end.”

“These so-called ‘reciprocal’ tariffs are not just aimed at China—they are against the entire world,” Lin said. “They undermine the foundation of the multilateral trading system.”

Trump’s decision to hike tariffs came after China imposed its own 84% tariffs on all U.S. imports, sparking further economic tension between the two giants. The U.S. president, known for his aggressive trade policies, also granted a 90-day grace period for countries that refrained from retaliating—offering instead a universal tariff rate of 10%.

But China remains resolute. “The U.S. is trying to coerce the world into submission with threats and economic blackmail,” Lin stated. “This is not how negotiations should be handled. If the U.S. genuinely seeks dialogue, it must approach talks with mutual respect and equality.”

Calling trade wars “loser’s games,” Lin reaffirmed China’s position: “We do not want to fight a trade war, but we are not afraid of one. We will not sit idly by while the rights of the Chinese people are infringed upon or while global trade norms are trampled.”

With no clear resolution in sight, this latest development signals a continued period of uncertainty for international markets—and a reminder that economic power struggles are far from over.