China Rejects Trump's Tariff Threats, Urges Dialogue Instead

China has formally responded to US President Donald Trump's threats of imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, characterizing such economic measures as an inappropriate approach to managing bilateral relations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian addressed reporters in Beijing Monday, asserting that "Instead of engaging in self-reflection, the US has resorted to threats of higher tariffs, which is not the right way to deal with China," while emphasizing Beijing's opposition to recent American restrictive measures.

The diplomatic exchange follows President Trump's Friday announcement threatening comprehensive 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and restrictions on "critical software" exports beginning November 1, which came in response to China's expansion of rare earth export limitations. However, Trump subsequently moderated his position Sunday via social media, stating "Don't worry about China, it will all be fine," suggesting potential de-escalation despite the earlier confrontational rhetoric. China has recently intensified rare earth export controls, imposing restrictions on processing technologies and prohibiting foreign cooperation without governmental authorization.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin articulated China's expectation that the United States would "correct its wrongful actions as soon as possible and, guided by the important consensus reached between the two heads of state, address respective concerns through dialogue based on equality, mutual respect and reciprocity." The Chinese official simultaneously issued a clear warning that "If the US insists on going its own way, China will take firm and necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," indicating prepared countermeasures should tariff implementation proceed.

The China Commerce Ministry reinforced this position Sunday, explicitly stating Beijing's lack of apprehension regarding potential trade conflict with the United States following Trump's tariff threats. The escalating trade tensions occur within the broader context of strategic competition between the world's two largest economies, with both nations demonstrating willingness to employ economic measures to advance their respective national interests while maintaining diplomatic channels for potential resolution of disputes.