China Vows to 'Fight to the End' as US Imposes 100% Tariffs in Escalating Trade War

Chinese goods are currently subject to US tariffs of at least 30 percent.

China has declared its readiness to "fight to the end" in a trade war with the United States following President Donald Trump's announcement of additional 100 percent tariffs on Chinese imports.

The escalation, announced in a Friday social media post, was triggered by Beijing's recent introduction of comprehensive new export controls in the strategic rare earths sector, which China currently dominates.

In the same announcement, Trump stated that Washington would implement export controls "on any and all critical software" beginning November 1.

This latest development in trade tensions has unsettled markets and cast doubt on a potential upcoming meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.

"On the matter of tariff wars and trade wars, China's position remains consistent," stated an unnamed commerce ministry spokesperson in a Tuesday statement.

"If you wish to fight, we shall fight to the end; if you wish to negotiate, our door remains open," the statement continued.

"The United States cannot simultaneously seek dialogue while threatening to impose new restrictive measures. This is not the proper way to engage with China."

Trump appeared to soften his stance in a Sunday social media post stating "it will all be fine," adding that the United States wants to "help" China.

On Monday, as US-China trade relations deteriorated, newly released official data for September revealed that China's exports have maintained resilience.

Exports increased by 8.3 percent year-on-year last month, representing the fastest growth since March and significantly exceeding forecasts.

Shipments to the United States – the world's largest consumer market – increased to reach $34.3 billion, according to the data.

Chinese products currently face US tariffs of at least 30 percent under measures Trump imposed while accusing Beijing of facilitating the fentanyl trade and engaging in unfair trade practices.

China's retaliatory tariffs currently stand at 10 percent.

The global impact of Trump's tariff strategy is in focus this week during a semi-annual gathering of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington.

The White House maintains that the long-term effect of tariffs will benefit the United States, highlighting their relatively limited economic impact thus far.