China's Counter-Tariffs on the US: Far more than a "Tit-for-Tat"

By Cai Tongjuan

The trade war between China and the United States has escalated once again. Following Washington’s announcement of steep tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing swiftly responded on April 4th, announcing a blanket 34% tariff on all imports from the United States. Simultaneously, China introduced export controls on rare earths and released an unreliable entity list, forming a dual-pronged strategy combining tariffs and technology restrictions. This assertive move marks a new stage in the economic and trade rivalry between the two nations, balancing immediate tactical responses with long-term strategic adjustments.

Counter-Tariffs to Combat "Unilateral Bullying"

Firstly, China’s counter-tariffs aim to uphold international trade norms and protect national dignity. Washington’s unilateral tariff hikes violate World Trade Organization (WTO) principles and epitomize what many view as “economic bullying.” By invoking domestic laws such as the Foreign Trade Law and the Customs Law of the People’s Republic of China, China is reinforcing its commitment to defending the multilateral trading system. Unlike the tiered tariff rates (5%-25%) adopted during the 2018 trade war, the blanket 34% tariff signals a stricter stance, sending a clear message: China is prepared to fight back decisively while seeking a peaceful resolution.