China has vowed to fight US tariff threats 'to the end' after President Donald Trump threatened to increase tariffs on Chinese imports by 50% starting April 9 if Beijing does not withdraw its retaliatory measures. The tit-for-tat escalation has ignited global markets, leading to a decline and turmoil in global stock markets and raising fears of a global economic slowdown. Meanwhile, Elon Musk urged the Trump administration to back down, while Canada and Europe initiated diplomatic efforts to counter the fallout from what is being described as "the most serious round of tariffs in decades." After US President Donald Trump threatened on Monday to impose additional 50% tariffs on China, effective April 9, if the latter does not roll back its retaliatory tariffs, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce vowed that Beijing would fight the US tariffs "to the end," describing the US threats as "clear blackmail." A ministry spokesperson stated, "The US threat to increase tariffs on China is a double mistake that once again reveals the nature of US blackmail," stressing that China "will never accept this. If the US insists on pursuing its own path, China will fight it to the end." The spokesperson added, "If the US escalates its tariff measures, China will take firm countermeasures to protect its rights and interests." For his part, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington stressed that "pressure and threats are not the right way to deal with China," adding that Beijing will "resolutely" protect its rights and interests.
