'Threatening high tariffs not right way to deal': China rejects US sanctions; warns of countermeasures

China firmly rejected recent US restrictions and sanctions, pledging to take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

In a post on X Monday, Spokesperson Lin Jian said, "China firmly rejects the recent US restrictions and sanctions on China, and will do what is necessary to protect its legitimate rights and interests."


He emphasised that "threatening high tariffs is not the right way to deal with China," urging Washington to "correct its approach and act on the common understandings the two presidents reached in their phone calls."


Lin further underlined that "the two sides can and should address each other's concerns through dialogue and manage differences on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit to keep on a steady, sound and sustainable track."

The exchange follows renewed strain between Washington and Beijing after US President Donald Trump threatened new 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports. In response, China vowed countermeasures if the US president follows through.

A spokesperson for China's said, as quoted by ANI, "Resorting to threats of high tariffs is not the right way to engage with China." They added, "If the US persists in acting unilaterally, China will resolutely take corresponding measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. Our position on a tariff war remains consistent -- we do not want one, but we are not afraid of one."

The tension escalated after China announced export restrictions on rare earth minerals last week, threatening to derail months of progress in trade negotiations between the two economic powers.

In an effort to ease tensions, Trump expressed optimism about bilateral ties and praised Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote, "Don't worry about China, it will all be fine! Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn't want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The USA. wants to help China, not hurt it!!! President DJT."

The White House also posted on X, stating, "It is impossible to believe that China would have taken such an action, but they have, and the rest is History. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

The rapid escalation has rattled global markets, sinking stocks and raising fears of a repeat of the earlier tit-for-tat tariff war, which saw duties on Chinese and American imports rise to around 145 per cent and 120 per cent respectively, according to CNN.

The rising tensions have also cast doubt over the planned meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea in two weeks, with Trump citing the rare earths issue and expressing uncertainty over whether the meeting will go ahead.