China has called on the United States to cease its use of threats and pressure tactics after President Donald Trump declared it was up to Beijing to initiate talks to end the ongoing trade war between the two countries.
Speaking on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “If the U.S. truly seeks to resolve the issue through dialogue, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and engage with China on the basis of equality, respect, and mutual benefit.”
Lin reiterated China’s long-standing stance that “there are no winners in a trade war,” adding, “China does not want to fight, but it is not afraid to fight.”
Tensions have escalated sharply this year after President Trump introduced a sweeping 145 percent tariff on a wide range of Chinese goods. These new tariffs build upon earlier levies, including an initial 20 percent duty imposed over Beijing’s alleged role in the fentanyl supply chain, followed by an additional 125 percent targeting what Washington deems unfair trade practices.
While the administration has made some exceptions — temporarily excluding smartphones, laptops, and other tech products — the overall tariff strategy has drawn criticism from economists, who warn the deepening standoff could tip the global economy into recession.
Despite the mounting economic risks, the White House maintains that it is China’s responsibility to take the first step toward resolving the dispute.
