China has declared its intent to “fight to the end” if U.S. President Donald Trump follows through on his threat to raise tariffs on Chinese goods to a staggering 104%.

Beijing’s provocative statement comes in response to Trump’s recent proposal to impose an additional 50% duty on top of existing tariffs, a move that would significantly intensify the economic standoff between the world’s two largest economies.

Multiple news outlets have reported on this developing story, highlighting the potential global repercussions and the fiery rhetoric from both sides.

According to the Financial Times, China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a stern warning on April 7, 2025, asserting that Beijing would “resolutely take countermeasures” to protect its interests if the new tariffs are enacted.

The ministry described Trump’s proposal as an “unacceptable escalation,” accusing the U.S. of undermining fair trade practices.

The article notes that this response follows years of tit-for-tat tariff hikes, with the latest threat pushing the total rate on some Chinese imports to 104%, a level that analysts say could devastate bilateral trade.

Reuters similarly reported on the same day that Chinese officials vowed to retaliate with “great strength,” echoing sentiments from past trade disputes.

The news agency pointed to a historical precedent, recalling China’s reaction in 2018 when it promised a robust counterattack to Trump’s earlier tariff increases.

This time, however, the stakes appear higher, with the proposed 104% rate signaling a potential breaking point in U.S.-China economic relations.

Reuters also cited experts who warn that such tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase costs for American consumers, and trigger a broader economic slowdown.

The Wall Street Journal provided additional context, noting that Trump’s tariff threat comes amid domestic pressure to address trade imbalances and protect American industries.

Announced on April 6, 2025, the proposal targets a wide range of Chinese goods, from electronics to machinery, building on tariffs initially imposed during Trump’s first term.

China’s pledge to “fight to the end” was framed by the Journal as a signal of its unwillingness to back down, with officials hinting at retaliatory measures such as export restrictions on critical materials like rare earths, which the U.S. relies on heavily.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg emphasized the global market reaction, reporting a dip in Asian stock futures on April 7, 2025, as investors braced for the fallout.

The outlet quoted a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson who accused the U.S. of “economic coercion” and vowed that China would not “sit idly by.”

Bloomberg analysts suggested that Beijing might also target American companies operating in China, a tactic used in previous disputes to exert pressure on Washington.

Posts on X have reflected a mix of alarm and skepticism among users tracking the story.

Some expressed concern over rising prices and economic instability, while others questioned whether Trump’s hardline stance would yield concessions from China or simply deepen the conflict.

Though these social media sentiments offer a pulse on public reaction, they remain anecdotal and inconclusive without broader verification.

The roots of this confrontation stretch back years, with trade tensions flaring during Trump’s first presidency.

As AP reported in 2018, China promised to “counterattack with great strength” when Trump proposed tariffs on $100 billion in Chinese goods—a vow that parallels its current rhetoric.

Today’s standoff, however, involves even higher stakes, with the 104% tariff threat dwarfing earlier measures in scope and severity.