Advertisement
US-China trade war
ChinaPolitics

‘Bring it on, Trump, we’re ready’: Chinese stand firm on tariff war despite risks

Citizens surveyed put forward a range of responses and, while worried about a trade war, many are in favour of Beijing’s strong response

Reading Time:4 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
50
Many Chinese say they support Beijing’s decision to fight back against US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Photo: AFP
Jane Caiin BeijingandSylvie Zhuangin Beijing
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 conflict 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 Beijing should stand tough or strike a quick deal, the new tariffs – which have been raised to 125 per cent – have ignited ire across the country. 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 and repeated pledges to fight “to the end”, while insisting that dialogue to solve conflicts should be carried out on an equal and respectful basis.

02:54

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 citizens surveyed on the tariff war by the Post 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 as he defended the levies during an interview with Fox News on April 3.
Advertisement