US-China Trade Tensions Escalate as Trump Threatens 155% Tariff and Beijing Warns of Retaliation

Trump has threatened to impose a 155 per cent tariff on China

Beijing has warned Washington to correct its "mistake" and resolve the trade dispute through dialogue following US President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 155 per cent tariff on Chinese imports. Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Kolkata, Xu Wei, stated that China would respond appropriately if the US persisted with its actions.

"Our position on this trade war is very clear. We do not desire this conflict. However, if we are pushed, we will certainly respond. We will fight if necessary," he declared.

Inviting Washington to negotiations, he emphasized, "Our doors remain open if the US wishes to talk. We continually remind the US government that cooperation is mutually beneficial, while confrontation harms both sides."

"We urge the US to rectify this mistake and address the issue through dialogue. If they fail to do so, China will implement necessary measures to safeguard our rights," he further stated.

Last week, Trump issued a strong warning to China about potentially imposing a steep tariff of up to 155 per cent beginning November 1 if the two nations cannot reach a trade agreement.

During his White House address, Trump remarked that Beijing has been "very respectful" toward Washington and that they are paying "tremendous amounts of money" due to the 55 per cent tariffs currently imposed on their exports to the US.

He continued, "Many countries took advantage of the US, but they cannot do so anymore. China is paying 55 per cent and faces a potential 155 per cent tariff starting November 1st unless we establish a deal."

Addressing the shifting geopolitical landscape resulting from Trump's tariff policies, the Chinese Consul General emphasized that collaboration between India and China could prove advantageous for both countries.

"China and India share numerous commonalities despite having different orientations. I hope both governments have discussed how to leverage this challenge for mutual benefit," he remarked.

"Not only China but also the US and India require cooperation because cooperation brings benefits while confrontation causes harm to everyone involved," he concluded.