Tensions between the United States and China have once again flared as Washington’s imposition of steep new tariffs triggered a swift retaliatory response from Beijing. China’s Foreign Ministry has denounced the US move as “economic bullying,” warning of grave consequences for the global economy, financial markets, and the already fragile framework of international trade rules.

At the center of the latest escalation is a new 34% tariff imposed by the US on Chinese exports, adding to the existing 20% duties. With total levies now reaching at least 54%, the decision has sent shockwaves through the international financial system and drawn sharp condemnation from Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, speaking at a regular press conference on April 7, characterized the measure as a blatant act of “unilateralism, trade protectionism, and economic bullying.”

“These tariffs seriously impact the stability of the global economic order,” Lin said, underscoring what many in Beijing see as an aggressive and irresponsible turn in US trade policy.

In swift retaliation, China’s Finance Ministry announced on April 4 that it would slap an identical 34% tariff on all US imports starting April 10. In parallel, China has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging what it sees as a violation of multilateral trade norms.

The new tariffs represent a significant re-escalation in trade hostilities between the two economic giants, echoing the trade war that gripped global markets during the Trump administration’s first term. Though initially eased during the Biden years, underlying tensions never fully dissipated, and the latest move signals a sharp return to........

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