Beijing: “If the United States decides to fight, China will take it to the end”

China is willing to fight “to the end” in the trade war with the United States, but leaves the door open to negotiations, a spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce declared this Tuesday. Beijing demands that Washington correct its “wrong practices” in relation to the restrictive measures against China, including the threat of imposing 100% tariffs, and reaffirms its willingness to firmly defend national interests.

“Regarding tariff and trade wars, China’s position remains consistent: if the United States decides to fight, China will fight to the end; if the United States decides to negotiate, China’s door will remain open,” the spokesperson said.

“I want to point out that the United States cannot seek dialogue and, at the same time, threaten and intimidate with new restrictive measures. That is not the right way to relate to China”

In this regard, he emphasized the legitimacy of China’s restrictions on the export of rare earth metals and added that, prior to the implementation of these measures, China had notified the United States through the bilateral dialogue mechanism on export control. “In contrast, they have long excessively invoked national security, abused export controls, and adopted discriminatory practices against China,” he maintained.

At the same time, he emphasized that, despite the tension, both sides share broad common interests and a vast field of cooperation, and maintain contact through existing commercial channels. “The four rounds of economic and trade consultations held to date have fully demonstrated that, on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation, China and the United States can find solutions to problems,” he said.

“China urges the United States to promptly correct its erroneous practices, demonstrate sincerity in negotiations, and work concertedly to reach consensus with China,” he emphasized.

Faced with the announcement of an additional 100% tariff on any fee by the U.S., China declared that it “does not want but also does not fear” a trade war.

As a countermeasure, China tightened export controls on rare earths and magnets, critical materials for US technology and defense. In addition, it will impose a special port tariff on ships linked to the US, replicating a similar measure by Washington, starting today.