China declared its readiness to fight a trade war “to the end” if the United States continues to threaten new tariffs, asserting that negotiations cannot occur under duress.
A spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry stated on October 14, 2025, that Beijing’s position on trade conflicts remains unchanged. They emphasized that while China is prepared to fight, the door to dialogue remains open for sincere talks.
This firm stance comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media last Friday, announcing plans for an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods. The proposed tariffs are in response to China’s recent export controls on rare earth minerals.
Rare earths are strategic resources where China holds significant global market influence. Beijing maintains its export restrictions are legitimate measures to protect national security, affirming its commitment to safeguarding both its own and international security.
The spokesperson explicitly warned Washington against discussing negotiations while simultaneously implementing new restrictive measures. Such actions, China stated, are not the correct way to engage with Beijing.
Existing U.S. tariffs already impose at least a 30% import duty on Chinese products. These measures were previously justified by Trump, who cited concerns over China’s alleged role in fentanyl trafficking and unfair trade practices. China has reciprocated with 10% import tariffs.
Amid the escalating tensions, China reported robust economic figures for September. Its exports increased by 8.3% year-on-year, marking the highest growth rate since March and surpassing analyst expectations.
Notably, China’s exports to the United States reached $34.3 billion USD during September.
The escalating tariff dispute between the world’s two largest economies garnered significant attention at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank semi-annual meetings held in Washington this week.
The White House, however, continues to assert that the impact of tariff measures on the U.S. economy has been limited. It claims these actions will yield long-term benefits.