China gave a stern warning to the US on Tuesday, saying that it is prepared to “fight to the end” as the trade conflict between the two economic giants continues to grow.These remarks come after US President Donald Trump announced imposing an additional tariff of 100% on Chinese imports to the country. This takes the total tariff on the Asian country to 130%.
“On the matter of tariff wars and trade wars, China’s position remains consistent,” said an unnamed spokesperson from the commerce ministry. “If you wish to fight, we shall fight to the end; if you wish to negotiate, our door remains open,” AFP quoted the spokesperson.Trump on Friday said that the new tariffs were a direct response to Beijing’s recent decision to implement wide-ranging export controls on rare earths, a sector where China holds a dominant position.The move also unsettled financial markets and cast doubt over a planned meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. In addition to the tariffs, the US president cautioned that Washington would also introduce export controls “on any and all critical software” from November 1, according to AFP.China defended its actions, calling the rare earths measures legal and necessary. The commerce ministry spokesperson said China wanted to “reiterate that export control measures concerning rare earths and related items constitute legitimate actions by the Chinese government to improve its export control system in accordance with laws and regulations”.“As a responsible major power, China has consistently and resolutely safeguarded its own national security and international collective security,” the spokesperson added.
