China vows ‘resolute and effective measures’ after Trump’s 104% tariffs take effect
By Nectar Gan, CNN
Hong Kong (CNN) — China has promised to take “resolute and effective measures” to safeguard its rights and interests after US President Donald Trump’s 104% tariffs on Chinese imports took effect on Wednesday.
“The United States is still imposing arbitrary tariffs on China and relentlessly applying extreme pressure. China firmly opposes and will never accept such domineering and bullying behavior,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular news conference.
“If the US disregards the interests of both countries and the international community and insists on waging a tariff war and trade war, China will fight to the end,” Lin added.
US levies on Chinese imports had been set to increase by 34% on Wednesday as part of Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs package. But the president tacked on another 50% after Beijing didn’t back down on its promise to impose 34% retaliatory tariffs on US goods by noon Tuesday. Prior to the latest round of escalation, Trump had already imposed 20% levies on China since his return to the White House.
“The legitimate right to development of the Chinese people cannot be deprived, and China’s sovereignty, security, and development interests cannot be infringed upon,” Lin said.
Beijing has not announced immediate retaliatory measures against Trump’s latest round of levies. But so far, the message from the Chinese government, state media and opinion leaders alike has been one of defiance – and determination to strike back.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
The-CNN-Wire
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