China’s development prospects are expected to be severely dimmed by the intensifying tariff war between Washington and Beijing, with many Chinese anticipating economic hardship as the country bears the brunt of a war that risks plunging the world into recession.
Unlike the trade war in the first Donald Trump administration when Chinese people, including officials and academics, were largely divided on whether China should stand tough or strike a quick deal, the new tariffs – which have been raised to 125 per cent – have ignited ire across China. Many Chinese are voicing support for Beijing’s decision to retaliate.
Beijing has hit back firmly with 84 per cent tariffs on all US products with repeated pledges to fight “to the end”, while insisting that dialogues to solve conflicts should be carried out on an equal and respectful basis.
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Trump raises China tariffs to 125%, pauses US levies on most other nations for 90 days
Trump raises China tariffs to 125%, pauses US levies on most other nations for 90 days
Chinese surveyed by the South China Morning Post on the tariff war put forward a range of responses laden with frustration and concern, as well as defiance.
“Obviously, China is targeted. No matter what China does, the US will find a way to hit [it]. There’s no point and no room for China to retreat,” said Wu Lang, 47, a private company executive in Shanghai.
“Chinese people have been working so hard for decades to supply the world with affordable products. In the end, we are called peasants and thieves of American jobs. What a crazy world,” Wu said.
Wu was referencing comments made by US Vice-President J.D. Vance in defence of the levies during an interview with Fox News on April 3: “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture … That is not a recipe for economic prosperity, that’s not a recipe for lower prices, and that’s not a recipe for good jobs in the United States of America”.
