Tensions between the United States and China have reached new heights after Beijing issued a stern warning on Tuesday night, declaring that it is prepared for “any type of war” following the latest round of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry condemned the tariffs, arguing they would not help resolve U.S. concerns over fentanyl originating from China.

“If the U.S. truly wants to solve the fentanyl issue, then the right thing to do is to consult with China on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit to address each other’s concerns,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated at a Tuesday press conference.

“If the U.S. has other agenda in mind and if war is what the U.S. wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight till the end.”

China Responds with Retaliatory Tariffs

Hours before Beijing’s warning, President Donald Trump’s administration announced a new round of trade restrictions, placing 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada, as well as 10% tariffs on imports from China. These new tariffs double an initial set of duties imposed on China just last month.

China swiftly retaliated, unveiling its own measures minutes after the U.S. announcement. Beijing imposed additional 10% to 15% tariffs on imported U.S. goods, including chicken, wheat, soybeans, and beef. These new duties are scheduled to take effect for goods shipped out on Monday, March 10.

Trump Defends Tariffs, Criticizes China’s Response

During an address to Congress on Tuesday night, Trump defended his trade policies, emphasizing that they serve American economic interests. Meanwhile, his administration accused China of using unfair trade practices to gain an upper hand.

“President Trump continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring U.S. trade policy serves the national interest,” the White House said in a statement following the announcement.

Additionally, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that Canada and Mexico might have a chance to negotiate relief from the tariffs, but he made no mention of a similar compromise with China.

A Return to the U.S.-China Trade War?

This latest escalation echoes the first Trump administration’s trade war in 2018, when both Washington and Beijing imposed steep tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of goods. While the 2020 “Phase One” trade deal led to some waivers on tariffs, tensions are now rising once again.

With the 2024 U.S. presidential election in full swing, Trump has vowed to tighten trade restrictions further, citing concerns over economic competition and illicit drug trafficking. His social media posts last month indicated that tariffs would be used as a penalty against China, Mexico, and Canada for allegedly allowing the production and transport of illicit drugs into the U.S.

As the March 10 deadline approaches, global markets will be watching closely for any further retaliatory measures. The question remains: Will this be a full-blown trade war or a strategic maneuver ahead of the election?

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