Not willing to engage in a trade war but will not back down, says China after Trump's 100% tariff threat

China has warned that it will take stringent countermeasures in the aftermath of U.S. President Donald Trump slapping 100% tariffs on imports from the Asian country. This move is set to escalate a trade dispute sparked by Beijing’s new rare earth export restrictions.

“Resorting to threats of high tariffs is not the right way to engage with China. If the U.S. persists in acting unilaterally, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Our position on a tariff war remains consistent – we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one,” said China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, according to media reports.

The ministry urged Washington to correct its wrong approach and protect progress in trade negotiations, while stating it is prepared but unwilling to engage in a tariff war.

China’s new rules expand the list of restricted minerals, extend limitations to production technology, and tighten controls on overseas usage, particularly for military and semiconductor applications.

The spokesperson reportedly also accused the U.S. of “double standards,” pointing out that America’s export control list has over 3,000 items compared to about 900 on China’s list.

“The US actions have seriously harmed China’s interests and undermined the atmosphere of bilateral economic and trade talks. China firmly opposes these moves,” the spokesperson added, according to CNN.

A planned bilateral meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea in two weeks is now in doubt, with Trump citing the rare earths dispute as a factor.

On Friday evening, Trump announced an additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports, on top of the existing 30%, effective November 1. “Based on the fact that China has taken this unprecedented position, and speaking only for the U.S.A., and not other Nations who were similarly threatened, starting November 1st, 2025 (or sooner, depending on any further actions or changes taken by China), the United States of America will impose a Tariff of 100% on China, over and above any Tariff that they are currently paying,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

The move is expected to severely strain the trade relations between the two countries. This also marks the first time Trump has announced a timeline for tariffs on China.