Amid rising tensions due to President Trump's tariffs, China has declared its readiness for "any type of war" with the US. The statement follows China's retaliatory tariffs on US agricultural products and signals an escalation of the ongoing trade conflict. While enhancing military spending, China aims to portray itself as a stable power capable of withstanding pressures from the US.
China Asserts Readiness for "Any Type of War" Amid Escalating Trade Tensions with the US
China Asserts Readiness for "Any Type of War" Amid Escalating Trade Tensions with the US
In a show of defiance against US trade tariffs, China claims readiness for any form of conflict, bolstering its military budget and positioning amidst delicate international relations.
In a bold declaration amid increasing tensions with the United States, China has asserted that it is prepared for "any type of war," responding to President Donald Trump's latest round of tariffs that strain the economic relationship between the two nations. Following Trump's imposition of additional tariffs on all Chinese goods, China swiftly retaliated with its own tariffs ranging from 10% to 15% on American agricultural products, escalating fears of a full-blown trade war.
The Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C., expressed this readiness for conflict through a post on social media platform X, stating, "If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end." This rhetoric marks a significant reaffirmation of China's stance under President Xi Jinping's administration and coincides with the commencement of the annual National People's Congress in Beijing.
During the meeting, Premier Li Qiang revealed that the country would raise its defense spending by 7.2% this year, a figure consistent with last year's increase. He also cautioned about "changes unseen in a century" occurring at an accelerated pace globally. Despite pressures from trade disputes, the Chinese leadership is keen to project confidence in the nation’s economic growth capabilities.
China aims to present itself as a stabilizing force compared to the US, which it criticizes for its military entanglements abroad. Beijing is cautious about overstating its aggressive posturing, aware of the risks it poses to potential global partnerships, especially in light of tariffs affecting allies like Canada and Mexico.
China's previous military drills have highlighted its emphasis on preparedness, particularly around contentious regions such as Taiwan. The Chinese foreign ministry emphasized that the US's actions against China, including accusations related to the fentanyl crisis, are merely justifications for increased tariffs.
The complex nature of US-China relations remains contentious, with the Chinese leadership once optimistic about a productive partnership under Trump. The recent breakdown in intended communications between the two leaders has further complicated the situation as the US continues to categorize China as a significant foreign policy and economic threat.
Despite possessing the second-largest military budget in the world at $245 billion, China's military spending—as a percentage of its GDP—is less than that of the US or Russia. However, experts suggest that Beijing may underreport its actual defense expenditures. As both nations navigate these turbulent waters, China's declaration of readiness for conflict underscores the escalating stakes in the ongoing trade war.
