JAKARTA - China has asserted that it will fight to the end in response to US President Donald Trump's threat to impose an additional 50% tariff.

This warning came after Trump threatened to increase tariffs on imports from China by 50%, unless Beijing removes the 34% tariff imposed on US goods. China's Ministry of Commerce stated that any further escalation by the US would be met with firm measures to protect China's national interests.

"If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end," said a ministry spokesperson in a statement, as quoted by Investing.

The new tariff threat was described as "a mistake on top of a mistake" by the spokesperson. The escalating rhetoric has shaken global markets as investors worry about its impact on international trade and economic stability.

Previously, Trump had threatened to impose an additional 50% import tariff on Chinese products. This threat was made after China announced a retaliatory 34% tariff on US goods. In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump firmly stated that any form of tariff retaliation would be met with much harsher actions from the US.

"If China does not withdraw the 34% tariff increase—on top of their long-standing unfair trade practices against America—by tomorrow, April 8, 2025, we will impose an additional 50% tariff on China, effective April 9," he said in an official statement on Monday (April 7).

Analysts have warned that a full-scale trade war could disrupt supply chains and dampen global economic growth prospects. (DK/LM)