Beijing Rejects Trump’s 100% Tariff Threats, Urges Washington to Pursue Dialogue

Beijing on Monday criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports, warning that such measures were “not the right way” to manage bilateral relations, according to state media. “The U.S. has continuously introduced a series of restrictive and sanction measures targeting China, which have seriously harmed China’s interests, and China firmly opposes these actions,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing.

Lin emphasized that instead of engaging in self-reflection, Washington had “resorted to threats of higher tariffs,” calling this approach counterproductive and unhelpful for constructive dialogue. His remarks followed Trump’s statement on Friday vowing to impose new 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and restrict exports of “critical software” starting November 1, in response to Beijing’s move to limit the export of rare earth minerals. However, Trump appeared to ease tensions on Sunday, posting on Truth Social: “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine.”

China’s latest export controls expand existing restrictions, placing limits on processing and manufacturing technologies and barring cooperation with foreign companies without prior government approval. Lin urged Washington to “correct its wrongful actions” and work under the consensus established between the two heads of state to address concerns through dialogue based on “equality, mutual respect, and reciprocity.” He warned that if the U.S. insists on escalating tensions, “China will take firm and necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.” Meanwhile, China’s Commerce Ministry said it was “not afraid of” a trade war with the U.S. following Trump’s threats.