China said on Tuesday it was prepared to “fight to the end” in its escalating trade dispute with the United States, following President Donald Trump’s announcement of plans to impose an additional 100 percent tariff on Chinese goods.
Trump revealed the move in a social media post on Friday, citing Beijing’s recent decision to introduce sweeping new export controls on rare earth elements — a sector largely dominated by China. He also said Washington would implement export restrictions on “any and all critical software” starting November 1.
The latest escalation has unsettled global markets and cast doubt on a potential meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, reportedly planned for South Korea.
“On the matter of tariff and trade wars, China’s position remains consistent,” 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 United States cannot simultaneously seek dialogue while threatening new restrictive measures.”
Trump appeared to soften his tone on Sunday, writing that “it will all be fine” and insisting the U.S. “wants to help China.”
Despite the tensions, newly released official data on Monday showed China’s exports remained strong. Overseas shipments surged 8.3 percent year-on-year in September — the fastest growth since March — with exports to the U.S. climbing to $34.3 billion.
Currently, Chinese goods face U.S. tariffs of at least 30 percent under measures introduced by Trump, who has accused Beijing of unfair trade practices and complicity in the fentanyl trade. China’s retaliatory tariffs stand at 10 percent.
The broader economic fallout from Trump’s proposed tariffs is expected to feature prominently at this week’s semi-annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington.
The White House has maintained that the long-term effects of the tariffs will benefit the U.S. economy, pointing to their limited impact so far.
