Global Trade Tensions Escalate as China Vows to ‘Fight to the End’

The trade war between the world’s two largest economies, the United States and China, is intensifying, with both sides exchanging aggressive rhetoric and imposing new tariffs. China’s commerce ministry has accused the US of “threatening to intimidate” with plans for new tariffs on Chinese exports, stating that China will “fight to the end” in trade talks.

The development follows comments from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who claimed China wants to “pull everybody else down with them” by damaging the global economy. The US and China have started charging each other increased port fees on cargo ships, further increasing trade tensions.

Escalating Tariffs and Trade Restrictions

The US had announced plans to charge duties on China-linked ships to counter what it says are unfair maritime trade practices. China has retaliated with its own tariffs, although state media reports that Chinese-built ships will be exempt from the new measures.

The trade tensions come amid China’s recent restrictions on rare earth exports, citing national security concerns. The US had not been officially notified of these restrictions, according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, although China’s commerce ministry claims it had provided advance notice.

Upcoming Deadline and Potential Meeting

US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese exports from November 1, prompting threats of retaliation from China. Despite the escalating tensions, both sides are set to hold “working level” talks, with a potential meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Seoul later this month