A representative of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country has taken “completely reasonable and legal” steps to protect itself against U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
“There is no winner in the tariff war and trade war,” ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters in Beijing on Wednesday. “China is unwilling to fight, but it is never afraid to fight.”
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian attends a press conference in Beijing, China April 10, 2025.
Tingshu Wang/Reuters
Lin’s response followed a question by a reporter about the most recent figures published on the White House’s website, which says tariffs on Chinese goods may be up to 245%.
In a fact sheet published Tuesday, the White House said China faces duties that high “as a result of its retaliatory actions.”
“China has repeatedly clarified its strict position on the tariff issue,” Lin said on Wednesday. “This tariff war was initiated by the United States, and China has taken necessary countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which is completely reasonable and legal.”
