Trending 
China declared on Tuesday that it was prepared to “fight to the end” in a trade war with the United States after President Donald Trump announced plans to impose an additional 100 per cent tariff on Chinese goods.
Trump revealed the move in a social media post on Friday, responding to Beijing’s introduction of sweeping export controls in the strategic rare earths sector, an industry largely dominated by China.
He also announced new US export restrictions on “any critical software” starting from November 1.
The escalation unsettled global markets and cast doubt on a potential meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
“China’s position on tariffs and trade wars remains unchanged,” a commerce ministry spokesperson said in a statement. “If you wish to fight, we shall fight to the end; if you wish to negotiate, our door remains open.”
The spokesperson criticised Washington’s approach, saying the US “cannot seek dialogue while threatening new restrictive measures.”
Trump later appeared to soften his stance, writing on Sunday that “it will all be fine” and that the United States wanted to “help” China.
Despite rising tensions, official data released Monday showed China’s exports remained resilient in September, rising 8.3 per cent year-on-year—the fastest growth since March. Shipments to the US increased to $34.3 billion.
Currently, Chinese goods face US tariffs of at least 30 per cent, imposed under Trump’s previous measures targeting alleged unfair trade practices and fentanyl-related concerns. Beijing has retaliated with 10 per cent tariffs.
The broader impact of Trump’s tariff escalation is under discussion this week at the semi-annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in Washington.
The White House maintains that tariffs will benefit the US economy in the long run, citing limited short-term effects so far.
